Hubert Henry Davies 

MRS. GORRINGE'S 
NECKLACE 




A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS 



Walter H. Baker 6 Co., Boston 




Rnnk ■ M 5 



Copyright }l^. 



COPYRrCHT DEPOSIT. 






MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 



Mrs. Gorringe's 
Necklace 

A PLAT IN FOUR ACTS 
By HUBERT HENRT DA VIES 



All rights reserved under the International Copyright Act. 
Performance forbidden and right of representation reserved. 
Application for the right to produce this play may be made 
to Charles Frohman, Empire Theatre^ New York. 



BOSTON' 

WALTER H. BAKER &- CO. 

LONDON 

WILLIAM HEINEMANN 

MCMX 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 



Copyright, 1910, by 
HUBERT HENRY DAVIES 

All rights reserved 






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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 



The acting rights of this play are reserved by the author. 
Performance is strictly forbidden unless his express consent 
or that of his agent has first been obtained, and attention 
is called to the penalties provided by law for any infringe- 
ment of his rights, as follows : — 

"Sec. 4066: — Any person publicly performing or repre- 
senting any dramatic or musical composition "for which 
copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the 
proprietor of said dramatic or musical composition, or his 
heirs andassigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, such 
damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum. not less 
than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for 
every subsequent performance, as to the court shall appear 
to be iust. If the unlawful performance and representation 
be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be 
guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned 
for a period not exceeding one year." — U, S. Revised 
Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. 

The right to perform this play professionally may be ob- 
tained by addressing 

Charles Frohman, Empire Theatre, New York. 



CCLD 2v)2n0 



^5— 

>J MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

w 

X ' CAST OF CHARACTERS 

**- Captain Mowbray, retired 

-H Colonel Jardine, retired 

J Lieutenant David Cairn 

p- Mr. Jernigan, a detective inspector 

Charles, a footman 

Mrs. Jardine 

Isabel Kirke ) ^ 

\ her dauqhters 
VICKY Jardine ) 

Miss Potts 

Mrs. Gorringe 

The scene of the play is laid in the library in Colonel 
Jardine's house. 



JVie following is a copy of the play-bill of the original 
performance. 

Cdyndbam's Cbeatrc 

Tuesday, May 12th, 1903, and every evening at 8.4-5 
will be presented 

A NEW AND ORIGINAL PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 
ENTITLED 

jVLrs. Gomngc^s jNechlace 

By HUBERT HENRY DAVIES 

Captain Mowbray, retired Charles Wyndham 

Colonel Jakdine, retired Mr. Alfred Bishop 

Lieutenant David Cairn Mr. Leslie Faber 

Mr. Jernigan, a detective inspector 

Mr. Eille Norwood 

Charles, a footman Mr. Reginald Walter 

Mrs. Jardine Miss Marie Illington 

Isabel Kirke ) Miss Mabel Terry-Lewis 

,^ T r her dauqhters ., ,. _ . -r, . „ 

VICKY Jardine ) ^ Miss Letttce Fairfax 

Miss Potts Miss Ethel Marryat 

and 
Mrs. Gorringe Miss Mary Moore 



The scene of the play is laid in the Library in Colonel 
Jardine's House. 



The action takes place 7iear a Garrison Town at a little dis- 
tance from London, and covers a period of about twenty 
hours. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S 
NECKLACE 



THE FIEST ACT 

SCENE. — The library of Colonel Jardine's 
house, situated near a garrison town in the 
south of England. The library is much used 
by all the family as a' sitti^ig-room. Opposite 
the audience there is a French window afford- 
ing a view of a large well-kept garden. On 
one side of the stage there is a fireplace, and 
in the wall opposite-, a door. There is an 
electric bell beside the fireplace and a switch 
for turning on the electric light beside the 
door. The room is well furnished with book- 
shelves, a large writing table, two or three 
smaller tables, a sofa, chairs, etc., etc., pre- 
senting a comfortable and homelike appear- 
ance. 

Near the fireplace, and in full view of the 
whole audience, there is an ornamental bowl, 
standing on a high pedestal and containing a 
flowering plant. It is the late afternoon of a 
summer day. 

I 



2 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jaedine, a well-dressed, middle-aged woman, 
is lying asleep on the sofa. 

Enter Mrs. Gorringe, a younger woman, always 
elaborately but never vulgarly dressed. She 
wears a handsome house dress and no 
hat. She appears restless and preoccupied all 
through her scene with Mrs. Jardine. When 
Mrs. Gorringe closes the door, Mrs. Jardine 
wakes with a start, blinks and looks up with- 
out taking her feet down. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Oh! Is that you, Mrs. Gorringe? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
I hope I haven't disturbed you. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
No, It must be about my waking-up time. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
It's after five. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Then they'll be home soon. I thought you had 
all gone to watch the polo. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Yes, but I left the ground early. [^Sits and 
gazes at the fireplace.'] 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 3 

Mrs. Jaedine. 
How was the game going? 

Mrs. Goeringe. 

I don't know. As soon as anyone explains to 
me how the score stands, they always go and 
change the board. 

Mrs. Jaedine. 
Was anyone hurt? 

Mrs. Goeeinge. 
No. 

Mes. Jaedine. 

That's a mercy. Every time they play, I have 
visions of my husband being borne home mangled 
on a shutter. I was so wrought up over the 
idea this afternoon, it took me several minutes 
to drop asleep. 

Mes. Goeeinge. 
Colonel Jardine was umpiring to-day. 

Mes. Jaedine. 
Oh, yes. Who played for our side? 

Mes. Goeeinge. 

Captain Mowbray, and Mr. What's-his-name, 
and that Mr. Thingamy with the white eyelashes 
and someone else — I forgot who. 



4 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jaedine. 

Sounds like a very strong team. I suppose Cap- 
tain Mowbray carried all before him as usual. 

Mrs. Goeringe. 

[Gazing at the fireplace, and not attending.^ 
Yes. 

Mrs. Jaedine. 

I'm glad Isabel was there to see his triumph. I 
really believe he's been in love with her ever since 
he first met her, when he came home a few years 
ago. And now that he has made this enormous 
fortune in South Africa, I see no obstacle to a 
marriage. There used to be some goings-on be- 
tween Isabel and David Cairn, but I hope that's 
all blown over. He has no money, you see, so of 
course it's no good — [Loolcs towards Mrs. Gor- 
EiNGE and sees she is not attending.l I'm afraid 
I bore you. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Starts and turns to her.] Oh, no, indeed — 
you talk so interestingly about polo. 

Mrs. Jaedine. 

[Surprised.] Polo? What's the matter, dear; 
aren't you well? 

Mes. Goreinge. 

[Nervously.] I'm a little upset. In fact — 
very much upset. I've lost something. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 5 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Oh? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes — a — a — ; diamond necklace. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[In consternation J\ A diamond necklace! 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
With a pearl clasp. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
But how — How could it have happened? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Rises.'] I don't know. I can't think. [Speahs 
volubly as she moves about describing the scene.] 
I went to my room when I came in. You know 
how the dressing-table stands — as if it were 
there. [Points to a table.] And the door of course 
is like this. [Indicates the door, goes toivards it, 
opens it, goes just outside and then comes in 
again.] Well, I came in at the door just as I'm 
coming in now. Of course I had my hat on. I 
closed the door. [Closes the door and walks to- 
wards the imaginary dressing-table, talking all 
the time.] Then I crossed over to the dressing- 
table in quite an ordinary manner. Just as I'm 
doing now. [Stands before the imaginary dress- 
ing-table.] Well, I looked into my jewel-case. 



e MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

I wanted to get some rings. These rings, in fact. 
'[Bends her hand to show her rings.'\ I thought 
it looked different from usual. I couldn't think 
what it was at first, but I remember saying to 
myself, " Well, that's funny ! " Then all at once 
it flashed across me and I clasped my hands and 
exclaimed — [clasps her hands dramatically} 
" Great heavens, my diamond necklace has gone ! " 
[Drops the dramatic pose and tone.] Just like 
that. 

Mrs. Jaedine. 

What a terrible situation for me. To think it 
should be lost in my house. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
My necklace. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

It must be one of the servants. We haven't had 
Pipkin long, and she's always looking out of the 
window. I shouldn't wonder if she stole it. [Mrs. 
Jardine's attention is attracted to the window as 
Isabel, Vicky and Miss Potts pass without, 
dressed in their outdoor clothes. Isabel is a hand- 
some, independent girl of twenty-five; Vicky a 
giddy creature of fifteen ivith a plait coming un- 
done. Miss Potts an unimportant spinster.] 
Here are the girls. Don't say a word about it. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
No. It's better not. I told my maid to stay in 



MBS. GORBINGE'S NECKLACE 7 

my room and guard the rest of my jewels. \^Sits, 
gazing in front of her, and sighs.] 

[Isabel enters, followed by Vicky and 
Miss Potts. 

Isabel. 

[Coming forward as she spealcs.l We've 
brought Miss Potts to tea. [Rings the hell beside 
the fireplace.} 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Shaking hands with Miss Potts.] Did you 
enjoy the polo? 

Miss Potts. 

Oh, exceedingly. 

Isabel. 

We won. Four to three. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Hurrah ! 

[Mrs. Jardine and Miss Potts sit on the 
sofa conversing together. 

A^'lCKY. 

And we had such fun coming home. We all 
squashed into the cart and sat on each other's laps. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Remonstrating. 1 Oh, Vicky, dear. 



8 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Vicky. 

Not Isabel. [With meaning.'] David wasn't 
there. 

Isabel. 

Vicky, don't you think you'd better go and do 
your hair ? It looks as if you'd been sweeping the 
field with it. 

Vicky. 

Will you do it, Mrs. Gorringe? 

[Produces a ribbon from her pocket and 
gives it to Mrs. Gorringe as she speaks. 
Mrs. Gorringe starts from a reverie 
when addressed. Vicky kneels beside 
Mrs. Gorringe's chair while she plaits 
her hair and whispers to her. 

Miss Potts and Vicky. 

[Together.] Oh! Lor! 

[They both turn to Isabel. 

Miss Potts and Vicky. 
[Together.] Isabel, Mrs. Gorringe has lost her 
diamond necklace. 

Mrs. Jardine, Mrs. Gorringe and Isabel. 

[Sharply together.] Sh ! 

[They say "Sh!" because Charles, a 
young footman, enters with a tea-tray. 
As they say "Sh!" Mrs. Jardine seizes 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 9 

Miss Potts so suddenly by the arm that 
she utters a little scream, while Mrs. 
GoRRiNGE pulls Vicky hack by her plait. 
They remain siletit, watching Charles 
as he arranges the tea-table. As soon as 
Charles goes out they all begin talking 
at once until Charles returns with a 
teapot, which he places upon the table. 
There is dead silence from the moment 
Charles enters until he goes out again, 
closing the door after him. Then Isabel 
speaks. 

Isabel. 
Your diamond necklace? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
With the pearl clasp. 

Isabel. 
How very dreadful. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
We aren't saying anything about it at present. 

Isabel. 
How very silly. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Is it ? I don't know what we really ought to do ; 
you see, I never lost anything of any value before 
I came to stay with you. 



10 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jardine. 

And we never lost anything at all before you 
came to stay with us. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
If Pipkin really stole it — 

Isabel. 

[Interrupting Mrs. Gorringe.] Who says 
Pipkin stole it? 

[Mrs. Gorringe looks at Mrs. Jardine. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I only said she might have done. You know 
she is always looking out of the windows, and she 
lived with a French family before she came to us. 

Vicky. 
[Giggling.'] Oh, isn't that just like mother? 

Isabel. 

{Pausing as she makes the tea to say thought- 
fully.'] That's rather queer. [They look towards 
Isabel.] Do you remember that story Captain 
Mowbray told at luncheon yesterday about a man 
who stole a woman's bracelet and had it copied in 
paste ? 

YlCKY. 

Oh, yes, and she never knew the difference. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE U 

Mrs. Jardine. 
He lived on the bracelet for years. 

Miss Potts. 
The villain ! 

Vicky. 

And she'd never have found out, only he con- 
fessed on his death bed. 

Miss Potts. 
How very singular. 

Isabel. 

Whenever he wanted money he took a diamond 
from the setting and sold it. 

Vicky. 
How he must have hurt his nails. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Don't be silly. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Plairitiveli/.l But what's all that got to do 
with my necklace? 

Isabel. 

One can't help recalling it now because, you 
know, you said you hoped nothing like that would 



12 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

happen to you, and that you always leave your 
jewel-eases lying about on your dressing-table. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Yes, I remember thinking at the time how fool- 
ish it was of Mrs. Gorringe to say that. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I thought I was quite safe to say it here. Let 
me see. Who was at luncheon yesterday? 

Isabel. 
We were all there. 

Miss Potts. 

[Emphatically.'] I wasn't. I assure you this 
is all news to me. 

Vicky. 
[Giggling.] Poor Potty, she thinks we suspect 
her. 

Isabel. 

[Seriously to Vicky.] This isn't a joke. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
No. 

Isabel. 

I mean all the family and the people staying 
here, Mrs. Gorringe, Captain Mowbray and David. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 13 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[With sudden excitement.'] And Pipkin was 
waiting at table. 

Isabel. 

No, mother, Charles was. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
The same thing. He's probably in love with her 
— she has quite a tolerable figure. And I bet you 
anything you like he went straight from the table 
and told her. 

Isabel. 

You've no right to accuse the servants in that 
general way. 

Mrs. Jardine, 
Well — what else would you do ? 

Isabel. 
Send for a detective. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Of course. [Rising and going eagerly towards 
Isabel.] And I'll run down to the Post Office 
and give them a description of my necklace. 

Isabel. 
Why the Post Office? 



14 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I thought that was the kind of place one would 
go to in a case of this sort. 

[Colonel Jardine is heard talhing and 
laughing boisterously without. 

Colonel Jardine. 

By jove, Mowbray, I never saw you in better 
form. Ha — Ha — Ha — ! 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Your father! All sit down and pretend noth- 
ing has happened. 

[They all sit down with the exception of 
Mrs. Gorringe. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

If we pretend nothing has happened I shall 
never get my necklace back. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Hush! 

[Mrs. Gorringe sits down reluctantly. 

Miss Potts. 
I think I should tell Colonel Jardine. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 15 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Not till after dinner. That's the best time to 
tell him things. His temper's so uncertain. 

[Colonel Jardine is again heard laughing 
without. 

Vicky, 
He soimds in a good temper now. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

His good tempers are more trying to put up 
with than his bad ones. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Without, laughing boisterously as he speahs.] 
By jove, yes. Hottest finish I ever saw. 

[Colonel Jardine enters explosively. He 
is a rubicund, excitable, middle-aged 
man. He wears plain riding clothes. 
When he speaks, Mrs. Jardine lays her 
cup on her lap, closes her eyes and con- 
tracts her face as if in intense suffering. 

Colonel Jardine. 
[Rubbing his hands together.] Well, well, 
well. _ We beat 'em — four to three. Close score, 
eh, girls? [Claps his hands together and laughs, 
pokes Mrs. Jardine in the back.] D'you hear 
that, mother — four to three? 



16 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Bows her head, her eyes still closed as if suf- 
fering.^ I hear. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Shaking hands with Miss Potts.] How 
d'you do. Miss Potts? You saw the game. As I 
was just saying to Mowbray, " Hottest finish I 
ever saw." 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[As before.] We heard you. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Mowbray saved the day. We put him on the 
last minute, when David didn't turn up. Shot 
three goals himself. I believe he would have shot 
another, but just then the bell went — [Imitat- 
ing gong.] " Wang-wang-wang-wang-wang ! " 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Putting her fingers in her ears, exclaims 
loudly.] Christopher! Please confine yourself 
to speech and laughter. 

Isabel. 
Tea, father? 

Colonel Jardine. 

Tea, tea, tea ? Yes. Give us some tea. [Turn- 
ing to the tea-table, he faces Mrs. Gorringe.] 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 17 

Why, Mrs. Gorringe, what's the matter? You 
look as doleful as I don't know what. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
So would you. \To Isabel.] I'll go and put 
on my hat and wait for you in the hall. 

Isabel. 
All right. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[To Mrs. Gorringe, as she goes towards the 
door.] Are you going to send the h'm h'm about 
the h'm h'm? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
H'm h'm. 

Colonel Jardine. 
What's h'm h'm and h'm h'm? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Something you don't know about. Don't tell 
him, girls. 

Colonel Jardine. 

I insist on knowing. I won't have this talking 
in hieroglyphics before me. 

Isabel. 
He'll have to be told soon. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Told, told what? 



18 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mbs. Jardine, Miss Potts, Isabel and Vicky. 
[Together.] Mrs. Gorringe has lost her dia- 
mond necklace. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Speaking with the others.] I've lost my dia- 
mond necklace. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Unable to hear a word.] What! Don't all 
shout at me like that. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
My diamond necklace — 

Colonel Jardine. 
Well — well. What about it? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

It's lost. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Excitably.] The devil it is. By Jove ! Some- 
thing must be done. 

Isabel. 

[Comes to Colonel Jardine, lays her hand on 
his arm and says quietly.] We are going to wire 
to Scotland Yard. [To Mrs. Gorringe.] We 
might write the telegram here. 

[Takes a sheet of paper from the paper-rack 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 19 

and a pencil from the pen-tray and lays 
them on the vjriting -table. Mrs. 
GoRRiNGE sits down and writes. Miss 
Potts rises and takes leave of Mrs. 
Jardine. 

Vicky. 

Going, Potty? 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Sharply.'] "Vicky, don't be impertinent. 

YlCKT. 

I'll go with you. 

Isabel. 

Now Vicky and everybody, please don't tell any- 
one we are going to have a detective in the house. 
The servants aren't to know who he is. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Especially Pipkin. 

Vicky. 
All right. Come on. Potty. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Vicky! 

[Vicky and Miss Potts go out. 



20 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 
Is your telegram ready, Mrs. Gorringe? 

Mrs. Goeringe. 

How will this do? ILooks round at the others 
before she begins to read gravely, in a clear, high 
voice.^ " Lost, a beautiful diamond necklace. 
Five large drops in front. One pearl clasp behind." 
[Isabel goes into a fit of laughter and turns away. 
Mrs. Gorringe looks at her in surprise^ What's 
the matter with it? 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Fussily.'] You don't need so many words. 
See. Let me cross some of them out. [He signs 
to Mrs. Gorringe to get out of her chair and let 
him sit there. She rises and stands beside him, 
watching him as he hastily crosses out words.] 
Say, " Lost, beautiful diamond necklace ! " You 
don't need to say " a " beautiful diamond neck- 
lace. Never use the articles " a," " an " and " the " 
in a telegram. You don't even need " beaiitiful " 
or " diamond." [Crossing out words.] Just say, 
" Lost necklace." 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

But they might think it was nothing but a 
string of imitation pearls, and that wouldn't be 
worth sending a detective for. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 21 

Colonel Jaedine. 

Well, leave " diamond " in if you like. [Puz- 
zling over paper.] What's the next? I can't 
read your writing. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Bends over him.] " Five large drops in 
front." 

Colonel Jardine. 

You can save three words there. Just say 
" Drops front " and — [Pouncing on words with 
his pencil and crossing them out.] " Clasp be- 
hind." 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Watching them with contempt from her chair.] 
If they know anything at all at Scotland Yard 
they'll know the clasp wouldn't be in front and 
the drops behind. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Yes, that's true. We can save two more words. 
[Crossing out words.] Just say — "Drops — 
clasp." 

Mrs. Jardine. 

That's not sense. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
No. That's what / think. 



22 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Colonel Jardine. 

[^Getting confused between them.] Well, just 
say " Drops front, clasp hind." 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Snapping him up.] Hind ! Hind isn't a 
word. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Getting angry.] You're getting me so mixed 
up I don't know what I'm doing. [Puzzles over 
the telegram.] 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Well, send them something they can understand. 
I'm sure I shouldn't know what to make of it if 
I received a telegram that said " Drops front — 
clasp hind." I should suppose Front and Hind 
were two men, shouldn't you, Mrs. Gorringe? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes, I should. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Angrily.] Oh, well, if you think you can do 
it better yourself. [Bises, throws his pencil on 
the table, muttering as he goes towards the door.] 
What's the good of trying to be business-like with 
a pack of women ? 

[Colonel Jardine goes out fuming. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 23 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[^Nearly crying as she looks at the ruins of her 
telegram.] Oh, isn't it too bad? And the thief 
may be bargaining with the pawnbroker at this 
very moment, and here's my telegram worse than 
not begun. 

[Isabel takes the pencil, turns the paper 
over, scribbles a few words and then 
gives the paper to Mrs. Gorringe. 

Isabel. 
Let us go and send that. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Reading the paper.] But you've said nothing 
about my necklace. 

Isabel. 

It's so unnecessary. 

[Captain Mowbray enters. He is a 
strong, self-reliant man, about forty-five, 
grizzled and tanned with hard out-door 
life. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[All smiles.] Oh. Here's Captain Mowbray. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Captain Mowbray! Isabel shall give you tea 
before she goes and sends the — [to Isabel] you 
know what. 



24 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

[Smiling at Isabel.] Yes, do stay and give me 
tea before you go and send the — you know what, 
I don't. 

Isabel. 

[Regretfully.'] I'm sorry, but it's very urgent. 

Mov7bray. 
I'm sorry. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

But still, there is no need for us both to go, is 
there, Isabel? 

Isabel. 

[Intending to stay, and offering the telegram to 
Mrs. Gorringe.] No. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Sweetly, to Mowbray.] So I'll stay and give 
you your tea. 

[Seats herself at the tea-tahle and begins 
to make Captain Mowbray's tea. 
Isabel loohs annoyed a moment, then 
goes out with the telegram. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I feel so relieved now my telegram has nearly 
started. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 25 

Mrs. Jardine. 

You'd better be careful, Mrs. Gorringe, or 
you'll let the cat out of the bag. 

[Mrs. Jardine goes out. 

Mowbray. 

[Sitting at the tea-tahle with Mrs. Gorringe.] 
Have you got a secret, Mrs. Gorringe? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. Does that make me very interesting? 

Mowbray. 
Not unless you tell it. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Pretending to he annoyed.] Oh. How un- 
gallant you are. 

Mowbray. 

To suggest you don't need a secret to make you 
interesting ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Smiling with pleasure at the compliment.'] 
Now, Captain Mowbray, I believe you're making 
fun of me. It's very naughty of you. [Giving 
him his tea.] There ! [Archly.] You don't 
deserve it. 



26 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

Aren't you going to give me something with it? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
{^Smiles and drops her eyes.'] How dare you ! 

Mowbray. 
I mean to eat. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Slightly confused at her mistahe.l Oh. [Of- 
fers him cake and hread-and-hutter with both 
hands.] Cake or bread-and-butter? 

Mowbray. 

Cake, please. [Puts out his hand to take a 
piece of cake.] 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Playfully snatching the cake plate away and 
offering him only the hread-and-hutter.] No, you 
must have bread-and-butter. Good little boys al- 
ways begin their tea with a piece of bread-and- 
butter. 

Mowbray. 

[Taking hread-and-hutter.] I'm so hungry, 
I'll take what I can get. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Relenting, offers him the cake and says in 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 27 

hdby language.'] Poo' ickle sing. Then it s'all 
have its cake. \^Lays down the plates]. Now, I'm 
not going to let you talk any more nonsense. 
[Turns seriously to him.] Tell me all about your- 
self. 

MOWBKAY. 

All? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Yes. Begin at the beginning. 

Mowbray. 

Well — in the first place — I was born — shall 
we say — forty-two years ago ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Oh. Just Mr. Gorringe's age. Go on. 

Mowbray. 

Do you want the poor but honest parents? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Coquettishly.] 'Now, you're making fun 
again. I shall get up and go out of the room if 
you aren't sensible. [Seriously.] I want to hear 
about your travels and experiences. It seems to 
me as if your life must have been quite a panorama 
of romances and adventures. 

Mowbray. 
I suppose I have knocked about a good bit. 



28 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I judged so from things I've heard you drop at 
meals. 

Mowbray. 

[Protesting humourously.} I never drop things 
at meals. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Playfully threatening to slap him.} Oh, now, 
I mean remarks, silly. 

Mowbray. 
Oh. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Resting her cheek on her hand, and looking at 
him with serious interest.} You know, I could 
picture you in a storm at sea — standing daunt- 
lessly on the poop — or single-handed cutting your 
way through an army of Dervishes with the col- 
ours, or rescuing a Spanish girl or — things of 
that sort. 

Mowbray. 

[Amused.} You'll make me feel quite a hero 
if you go on. 

I 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Making eyes at him.} I think you are a hero. 

Mowbray. 
Oh, dear no. I've always been a most ordinary 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 29 

person. I went into the Army because my father 
did. I left because it cost too much. I went to 
South Africa because I couldn't think of any- 
where else to go. I made a fortune because I had 
good luck. You can't make a hero out of that. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

When the war broke out you offered to lay 
down your life for your country. 

Mowbray. 

Oh, well — you see I happened to be on the spot 
and I knew the country and that sort of thing, 
so I wrote to the War Office and asked them if they 
wanted me. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. Well, now tell me about the women, 

Mowbray. 

[Surprised at Tier abrupt change.'\ What 
women ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Which do you like the best — foreigners or us ? 

Mowbray. 
I like women individually — not geographically. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Of course, but I never can see how an English- 



30 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

man could bring himself to fall in love with a 
brown woman. 

Mowbray. 

If we're talking of love — lPauses.'\ 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Seizing her chance.^ Now I suppose you are 
going to tell me you are in love. 

Mowbray. 
[Seriously. 1 Have you noticed it? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Archly.] With someone you met in this 
house, no doubt. 

Mowbray. 
You have noticed it. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Smiling coyly.] Wretch. 

Mowbray. 
Has she? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Don't be absurd. 

Mowbray. 
Do tell me. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 31 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
I shan't. [Enter Colonel and Mrs. Jardine. 
Mrs. Gorringe is visibly annoyed with this inter- 
ruption and says under her breath.] Bother ! 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Still here, Mrs. Gorringe? We are going to 
take a turn in the garden before we dress for 
dinner. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
That will be nice. [Rises and goes to Mrs. 
Jardine.] Captain Mowbray has been telling me 
such interesting stories — all about his life in 
South Africa. 

Mowbray. 
Mrs. Gorringe was trying to make me out a hero, 
so I had to confess I'm really only an adventurer. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Laughing.] Come, come, come! That's a 
pretty name to call yourself. 

[Colonel Jardine and Captain Mowbray 
converse together. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Glances at Captain Mowbray, then drops her 
voice to speak to Mrs. Gorringe.] Did he say 
anything about his passion? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Coyly.] How did you guess? 



32 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jardine. 

From the way he looked at her when she went 
out. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Puzzled.] Who? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Surely you noticed. He's over head and ears 
in love with Isabel. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, indeed. If you think that I'm afraid you'll 
find yourself very much mistaken. 

[Mrs. Gorringe goes out. 

Mowbray. 

[Calling off from the open tvindow.] David! 
We're in here ! 

[David Cairn enters. He is a handsome 
young officer about twenty-seven. His 
demeanour is depressed, though he tries 
to conceal this under an off-hand man- 
ner. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Fussily.] 0, David, why didn't you turn up 
for polo? 

David. 

I missed my train. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 33 

Colonel Jardine. 
You ought to have wired. 

David. 

Yes. I didn't think of it. And I knew — 
[indicating Mowbray] Frank would play if I 
didn't turn up. 

Colonel Jardine. 
That doesn't excuse you. 

Mowbray. 

[Good-naturedly.] Let him off this time, 
Colonel. I suppose he has a lot of things to 
attend to before he sails. 

David. 

Yes, and we never know what day we may 
get our marching orders. 

Colonel Jardine. 

I know. I know. But when you went to 
London yesterday you said you'd come back to- 
day by the two o'clock train. 

David. 
I told you I missed it. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Have you just come now by the five o'clock? 



34 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 
Yes. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I really don't think it's of so much importance 
how many trains he missed. 

Colonel Jardine. 

But still he ought to have wired. It doesn't 
take long to write a telegram — if you don't have 
a lot of women buzzing round you. 

[Colonel and Mrs. Jardine go out into 
the garden. David sits at the tea-tahle 
and helps himself to tea during the fol- 
lowing scene. 

David. 

I say, who was that girl watching the polo with 
Isabel and Vicky? 

M0V7BEAY. 

A Miss Potts. Why? 

David. 
Oh. I thought it looked like someone else. 

Mowbray. 

[Puzzled.'] Looked? How did tjou see her? 
I thought you'd only just come from the station. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 35 

David. 

[Confused.'l Yes, but I saw them for a min- 
ute — from a distance — on my way up. 

Mowbray. 

I don't see how you could possibly have seen 
them from anywhere between the station and the 
house. You can only just see the polo ground 
from the upstairs windows. 

David. 

I was in my room for a minute — just now. 
That's how I saw them. 

Mowbray. 

But we'd finished playing more than half an 
hour before your train came in. You said you'd 
come by the five o'clock. 

David. 
Yes, but — I made a mistake. 

Mowbray. 

I do wish you'd learn to be straightforward. 
[He emphasizes this remark hy clapping 
David on the shoulder. David, in his 
nervousness, lifting his cup to his lips, 
spills some tea on his Jcnee. 



36 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 

Damn it, I've spilt my tea — I haven't a hand- 
kerchief. 

[Feels for a handkerchief, and finds he 
hasn't one. Mowbray hands him his. 
David scrubs his knee with it as Mow- 
bray speaks. 

Mowbray. 

You never seem to think it matters if you fib 
or not, if it saves you the trouble of a little expla- 
nation. Eeally, old man, it won't do. There, I'm 
not going to preach to you again. 

[Charles, the footman, enters to clear 
away the tea things. Mowbray lights 
a cigarette. 

David. 

[To Charles] All right, I've finished. [Look- 
ing at the handkerchief as he goes towards Mow- 
bray.] I've made rather a mess of it. I'll put 
it in my wash. [Puts handkerchief in his pocket. 
He has no ulterior motive in doing this. Charles 
goes out, having cleared away the tea things.} 

Mowbray. 
David, I need a confidant. 

David. 
Well. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 37 

MOWBEAY. 

Now look interested. 

David. 
I am — awfully interested. 

Mowbray. 

You see, I've finished fighting and knocking 
about, and I've made my pile, and I think it's 
getting about time I settled down. 

David. 

And married? 

Mowbray. 
Bright boy. 

David. 
Who? 

Mowbray. 

You're not as bright as Mrs. Gorringe. She 
said she'd noticed it at once. And I thought I'd 
displayed such wonderful reserve. We always do, 
you know. 

David. 

I've noticed that you seem rather fond of being 
with — a certain person. 

Mowbray. 
A certain Miss — ? 

Davtd. 
Isabel. 



38 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

[^Smiling.'] Isabel ! I wonder how soon / 
shall call her Isabel. I really think she rather 
likes me, don't you? 

David. 

I know she likes you very much, but I don't 
know that it's anything more. 

Mowbray. 

Well, my dear fellow, I don't see how you 
should know. It's what I've got to find out. 

David. 

I wouldn't say anything yet. 

Mowbray. 
[4 little surprised and amused.'] Why not? 

David. 
Because — I wouldn't. 

Mowbray. 

But I feel in great form for saying something 
now, — since Mrs. Gorringe made me out such 
a hero. And if you've noticed, and Mrs. Gor- 
ringe has noticed, she must have noticed herself. 
\Sees Isabel from the window.l By jove, there 
she is ! 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 39 

David. 

[Uneasily.] But, Frank, I really don't think 
this is a good moment. 

Mowbray. 

Eubbish, David; it's an ideal moment. Get- 
ting dusk; everybody out of the way till dinner 
— except you, — can't you get out of the way 
till dinner-time? 

[Isabel enters. 
Isabel. 

David! Do you mind ordering the cart to 
meet the seven twenty-five? The new groom is 
so stupid, he never gets a message right, or I 
wouldn't ask you to do it. 

David. 
That's all right. [He hesitates.'] 

Isabel. 

Now, please, or he'll have gone home. 

[David tools at Mowbray, then at Isabel, 
a7id goes out rather reluctantly. Isabel 
watches him till he is out of sight. 

Isabel. 
Is anything the matter with David? 

Mowbray. 
Not that I know of. 



40 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 
I want to talk to you about him. 

[Sits on the sofa. 

Mowbray. 

I want to talk to you about myself. [Sits near 
her.] 

Isabel. 

Afterwards. [Throughout the following scene 
her manner is nothing more than friendly. She 
does not think Mowbray is in love with her. 
His tenderness and earnestness do 7iot make the 
impression on her that they might at another 
time, as she is now absorbed in thoughts of 
David.] I shouldn't say what I'm going to, only 
I trust you more than any man I know. 

Mowbray. 

You've made me feel prouder than I ever felt 
before. 

Isabel. 

I'm glad you're so fond of — David. [He be- 
trays disappointment ivhe7i she names David.] 
I've often wondered why it is. You are so dif- 
ferent. 

Mowbray. 
Are we? 

Isabel. 

Oh, yes — in everything. The way you play 
polo, for instance. You are so terribly in earnest. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 41 

I was watching you this afternoon. Your whole 
life seemed to depend on winning the game. And 
when David plays, I can't help seeing that he 
always knows what a good picture he makes. 
[Mowbray laughs. Smiles at him.l He does 
look very nice, doesn't he? 

Mowbray. 

I rather like his little vanities. He wouldn't 
be so — so David without them. 

Isabel. 

He is forgiven many things just because he is 
David. 

Mowbray. 

A charming personality covers a multitude of 
sins. 

Isabel. 

Everyone likes David, but — What do you 
think of him? 

Mowbray. 

I never think what I think of people I like. 

Isabel. 
Do you think I oughtn't to have asked you? 

Mowbray. 
Oh, no. Because I know you like him too. 



42 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

Yes. But a girl can know so very little about 
a man's real life. You see David as one man of 
the world sees another; that's why I ask you 
what you think of him. 

Mowbray. 

When I first met David — I thought him a 
charming fellow with a weak character. Now — 
several years later — I think precisely the same 
thing. 

Isabel. 

Yes. I know, he isn't bad — but, oh, so weak. 

Mowbray. 

But not so young. 

Isabel. 
No. 

Mowbray. 

And if a man doesn't check the weaknesses that 
are part of his youth, they become part of his 
character. 

Isabel. 

I'm afraid that's true. 

Mowbray. 

He is one of those people who are so absorbed 
in the present that they learn nothing from the 
past and prepare nothing for the future. Of 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 43 

course, he is always resolving to spend his time 
more profitably, — but somehow he never does, 
— and he mistakes these good resolutions for 
practical virtues. Whenever he yields to tempta- 
tion he promptly suffers remorse. He considers 
remorse is a virtue and sufficient penalty for his 
sin. Then instead of principles he has a few 
nice, gentlemanly instincts — and these I think 
constitute his whole chance of scraping through 
life respectably. He has no conception that char- 
acters are built and don't grow. It's pitiful, 
isn't it ? I know so many men like him — wasters 
and drifters — and the very best company in the 
world. 

Isabel. 

They need someone strong to guide them. 

Mowbray. 

Unless it's in the wrong direction — and 
then, — anyone will do. 

Isabel, 

I had to ask you, I must know. And there 
is no one else in the world I can ask. [Pauses 
before she says, simply.'] We have been engaged 
for three years. 

Mowbray. 

[Concealing his disappointment with diffi- 
culty.'] Oh, I didn't know. I shouldn't have 
said that if I'd known. 



44 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

I'm grateful to you. You have only put into 
words what I couldn't help feeling was true. I 
think if we could be married soon I might help 
him to be the man I used to hope he would be 
of himself. But I don't see how we can be. 
David has nothing but his pay. I have a home 
here, but that's all. Mother and I lived almost 
on charity after my father died, till mother mar- 
ried Colonel Jardine — so I have no money of 
my own. That's why we have had to keep our 
engagement secret. When David asked to be 
engaged to me three years ago, they wouldn't 
hear of it. They think it is all over between us 
now. But it's far from all over. 

M0V7BRAY. 

Do you still love him? 

Isabel. 

[Earnestly.'] Yes, yes. I do love him. But 
love like mine is such tyranny that sometimes 
I have almost prayed to escape from it. 

Mowbray. 

\ Tenderly.'] Poor child. I know you are 
brave and self-reliant. [Trying to force a lighter 
tone through his emotion.] You are the general 
of this household. Anyone can see that. [His 
emotion getting the better of him.] But it is 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 45 

hard to always have to brace yourself to be a 
prop to the weak. I know you must often grow 
weary, and long to lean on someone strong. 

Isabel. 

[Half-sohhing.'] Don't — don't say that. 
[Trying to smile through her tears.^ I have to 
go on — being the prop. 

Mowbray. 

If we could bear one another's burdens, but 
we can't carry them far. We all live our inmost 
lives alone. [Enter David.] Ah, David, — fin- 
ished your stroll? I'll go and take mine. 

[Captain Mowbray goes out. 

David. 

[With a genuinely generous impulse.'] Isabel. 
I'll go away. I'll set you free if you like. 

Isabel. 
[Taken aback.'] David. 

David. 

Am I standing between you and him? 

Isabel. 

How can you say that ? Captain Mowbray and 
I have never been anything more than friends. 



46 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 

I thought — [Takes her hy the arm and turns 
her towards hirn, looking in her face.} What 
has he been saying to you? 

Isabel. 

[Simply.'\ We were talking of you. I told 
him of our engagement. 

David. 

I thought you were beginning to care for him 
more than you used, and — [Hesitates, drops 
his hold of her and turns away.] I'm so unhappy. 
[He sits down and huries his face in his hands. 
She stands looking at him with mournful resig- 
nation, waiting for him to continue.] You don't 
know what I've been through this last week. I 
felt as if I should go mad, I was so angry and 
jealous — seeing how you seemed to care for him, 
and how he cared for you and knowing how im- 
worthy I am. I thought you were slipping away 
from me. The other day I thought I'd make 
one last effort to keep you — so I went and got 
that. [He takes a marriage license from his 
pocket and shows it to her. She peruses it before 
she speaks.] 

Isabel. 

You went to the Eegistry Office and got a 
license ? 

David, 

I realised what a mad thing it was to do as 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 47 

soon as I saw you. You were talking to him. I 
daren't show it to you, so I went away. That 
was yesterday. When I left here I fully deter- 
mined never to come back. I made up my mind 
to write and tell you you were free and that I'd 
gone away for ever. 

Isabel. 

[Calmly; returning the license to Aim.] Why 
did you come back ? 

David. 

When I got to London I took all my money out 
of the Bank. You know it isn't much, but I 
thought it would be enough to get me abroad 
somewhere. I wanted to get out of it all. I 
was desperate; then, all at once, I thought I'd 
give my luck one last chance. I went to a place 
I know and gambled. I thought perhaps I'd win 
— win a lot, so that I could come back and ask 
you to marry me at once. [Despondently. '\ Of 
course I lost everything. \Bitterly.'\ That's why 
I came back. 

Isabel. 

0, David — and you promised me you wouldn't 
gamble again. 

David. 

Do you want me to set you free? I will, if 
you want. 



48 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

I've been thinking it might be wiser. [He 
turns away.] Suppose we do set each other free. 
What will become of you? 

David. 
It wouldn't matter much what became of me 
then. 

Isabel. 

It would matter a great deal to me. 0, David, 
I've been very loyal to you these three years, but 
when you disappoint me so and break your prom- 
ises — you make it very hard for me. You seem 
to have no ambition and no sense of responsibil- 
ity. You show so little moral force in every way 
that I really can't see what makes you stop short 
of crime. 

David. 

I've tried to keep straight for your sake. 

Isabel. 
But I want you to do right because it is right. 

David. 

That's the way Frank talks to me. He's strong 
— so are you. You both have a lot of what you 
call moral force. That's why you can't under- 
stand us who have hardly any. Frank was born 
to rise. He can do it alone. But I'm what the 
woman I love makes me. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 49 

Isabel. 
You make me so afraid. 

David. 

I suppose I'm not worth saving. It's wasting 
your good life to try and make something of 
mine. You'd better give me up. 

Isabel. 
How can I? Suppose you loved a bad woman? 

David. 

Well? 

Isabel. 

How could I bear to see you dragged down by 
a bad woman, knowing that I might have saved 
you? [Goes to him with sudden impulse, kneels 
beside him and puts her arms about him.'\ David ! 
David ! You must try — try hard — for my 
sake. 

David. 

[Holds her in his arms, speahs broJcenly.l 
Don't let me go. It's only you can save me. 
I'll try to be different. I can't do it alone. But 
I'll try to be what you want me to be; I'll begin 
again — where we began three years ago. You 
trusted me then. I'll try to make you proud of 
me again. 

Isabel. 

[Half-crying, as she leans against him.'\ I was 



50 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

so proud of you then. You will try, dear — won't 
you? Oh, you will try. [lie takes her in his 
arms and kisses her. Then she rises, still hold- 
ing his hand.'] It will be hard work, David. 
We shall need all our courage. 

[Vicky enters with an open telegram iri 
her hand. 

Vicky. 

Isabel. [Isabel goes towards her. David re- 
mains seated and doesn't hear what they say.] 
Here is a telegram from the detective. He'll be 
here on the seven twenty-five. 

Isabel. 

[Reading the telegram.] Oh, then I'll go 
down and meet him. I can tell him all about 
it on the way up. 

Vicky. 

Well, you'd better hurry up or you'll be late 
for dinner. Mother and Mrs. Gorringe have gone 
up to dress already. 

[Vicky goes out. 
Isabel. 

David. [David looks towards her.] I have 
to go and meet the seven twenty-five. Will you 
drive me to the station? 

David. 

[Smiles.] Yes. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 51 

Isabel. 

Wait here while I put my things on. 

[Isabel goes out. It is now dusk. David 
takes the diamond necklace from an 
inner pocket and looks at it, his face 
expressing mental agony. He closes his 
hand over it. 

David. 

[Praying earnestly.'] Lord, I repent. Help 
me to restore it. Help me, dear Lord. Don't 
bring disgrace upon me now. 

Isabel, 

[Calls without.] David ! [Re starts violently, 
taking his handkerchief from his pocket, and 
wrapping it round the necklace.] David ! [He 
looks about distracted, rising with his hand rest- 
ing on the pedestal for support as Isabel enters. 
She wears her hat and jacket and turns on the 
electric light as she enters.] I'm ready. [He 
hesitates, his hand still resting on the pedestal, 
which is hidden from her by his body.] Aren't 
you coming? [He still hesitates. She betrays a 
little disappointment as she says] I thought 
you'd like to come with me. 

David. 

[He drops the handkerchief and the necklace 
in the bowl, then goes to her.] Yes. 



52 MRS. GORKI NGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

[Affectionately.'] Let it be like the old times, 
David. Shall it? 

David. 

\With a breaking voice.'] Yes, dear. It shall 
be, — like the old times. 

[T'hey go out together. 



CURTAIN. 



THE SECOND ACT 

SCENE: — The same as Act I. It is the even- 
ing of the same day. 

Enter Isabel, David Cairn and Jernigan, 
a detective in plain clothes. He is a tall, 
grave man, approaching middle-age. His 
manner is always formal and professional. 
He is never amused by anything the other 
characters do or say. Isabel and David are 
dressed as at end of Act I. All the charac- 
ters who enter later wear dinner dress. 

Isabel. 

[Entering.'] I suppose they are at dinner. 
[To Jernigan.] Colonel Jardine will see you 
here when he has finished. Have you dined 
yourself ? 

Jernigan. 

Yes, thank you. 

Isabel. 

You might like to go to your room now. [She 

rings the hell beside the fireplace, then comes 

to Jernigan, speaking so that David, who is 

standing at a little distance, does not hear her.] 

53 



54 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Of course, none of the servants know that you are 
a detective. I thought it better not to tell them. 

Jernigan. 

Certainly. 

[Charles, the footman, enters. 

Isabel. 

Show Mr. Jernigan his room, and see that he 
has everything he wants. 

Charles. 

Yes, Miss. {Holds the door open for Jerni- 
gan.] 

[Jernigan goes out. 

Isabel. 
Charles. Are they still at dinner? 

Charles. 
They've almost done. Miss. 

Isabel. 

Mr. Cairn and I will dine when they have fin- 
ished. 

Charles. 

Yes, Miss. 

[Charles goes out and closes the door 
after him. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 55 

David. 

[Glances at the howl and says to himself.^ 
jSTow. If I could get it back while they are all 
at dinner! 

Isabel. 

What are you saying, David? 

David. 
[Turns to lier.'] Nothing. 

Isabel. 

[Comes to him.~\ Don't be too down-hearted, 
dear. I feel sure you are going to conquer, and 
I'm going to help you. And it isn't as if you'd 
done something really bad. Now, I'd better go 
and dress for dinner — so had you. 

David. 

Yes, I'll go directly. I shan't take as long as 
you. 

[Mrs. Jardine enters. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

What's made you so late, Isabel? We've fin- 
ished dinner. 

Isabel. 

The train was late. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
I wonder they don't make the railway guides 



56 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

an hour later, then one would know what time 

to expect the trains. Did you bring the detective ? 

[David is startled at the mention of a 

detective, but conceals his dismay from 

the others. 

Isabel. 

[To David.] I didn't tell you Mr. Jernigan 
was a detective. 

David. 
What do you want a detective for? 

Isabel. 

Mrs. Gorringe has missed her diamond neck- 
lace, and we think it may have been stolen. 

David. 
Oh, I hope she'll find it. 

[Colonel Jardine enters. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Oh, my dear Isabel, we've finished dinner, and 
you've not changed. 

Isabel. 

I shan't be long. 

[Isabel goes out 

Colonel Jardine. 
Are you going to sit here, Emily? 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 57 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Who has taken a magazine from the table and 
seated herself in an armchair.] You can't expect 
me to sit in the drawing-room and watch Mrs. 
Gorringe making sheep's eyes at Captain Mow- 
bray. I can't say I enjoyed my dinner. The fish 
was burnt, and I never did care for meringues. 
And the way that woman cackled about her 
diamond necklace was enough to — Well, I'm 
sick of the whole thing before we've even begun 
to look for it. [Peruses her magazine. David 
goes out. Colonel Jardine paces moodily up 
and down with his hands in his pockets. Mrs. 
Jardine casts impatient glances at him. He 
does not notice her. She endures a few moments 
before she speaks.] I have quite enough to bear, 
without seeing you sulk. 

Coeonel Jardine. 
I'm not sulking. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
You are. You haven't said a word since the 
roast left the table. You know how you annoy 
me when you sulk. [She peruses her magazine 
a moment, then glances at him impatiently as 
before.] I wish you'd stop waddling about like 
that. Can't you see I'm on the verge of hysteria ? 
[Jernigan enters. Be pauses on the threshold, 
Mrs. Jardine stares at him.] Who's this? 



58 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

[Colonel Jaedine goes to meet Jernigan. 
His vianner is more restrained before 
Jernigan than when he is alone with 
his family. Mrs. Jardine, too wrought 
up to heed the conventions, puts no con- 
straint upon herself. 

Jernigan. 
The servant said you would like to see me. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Ah, yes. How d'you do? [Going to Mrs. 
Jardine.] Emily, this is Mr. Jernigan, the 
detective. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Aside to her husband.] Ought I to shake 
hands ? 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Aside to her.] Ko. [Turns to Jernigan.] 
My wife, Mr. Jernigan. [Mrs. Jardine and 
Jernigan bow stiffly to each other.] Now, I 
suppose you want to ask me a lot of questions. 
[Sits on sofa, signing to Jernigan to be seated."] 
Well — fire away. 

Jernigan. 

[Remains standing.] Do you suspect any par- 
ticular person of having taken this necklace ? 

Colonel Jardine. 
No. 



' MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 59 

Mrs. Jardine. 
We suppose it's one of the servants. 

Colonel Jardine. 
My dear — we don't know. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Who else would steal it? 

Colonel Jardine. 

My dear — 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[To her husband.] Allow me to speak, please. 
[To Jernigan.] I strongly suspect one of the 
housemaids, called Pipkin. 

Jernigan. 
May I ask why you suspect Pipkin? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

There's something I don't like about her eyes. 
I didn't like them from the first, and I'm never 
mistaken in eyes. Then, she's always looking 
out of the windows, and — oh, several things. 

Jernigan. 

I see. [Taking out a note-hook.'] I suppose 
you keep a large staff of servants? 



60 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE ' 

Mrs. Jaedine. 

[Smiling conceit edly.'\ Oh, very large. I be- 
lieve I have more servants than anyone in this 
neighbourhood. 

Jernigan. 

Were they all in the house when the robbery 
was discovered? 

Colonel Jardine. 
No. Some of them were watching the polo. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I'll ring and find out which of them were in. 
[Rings the bell by the fireplace.'] 

Jernigan. 

[To Colonel Jardine.] You have several 
guests staying here, I think? 

Colonel Jardine. 
Three. 

Jernigan. 

All of them people you know well, and trust? 

Colonel Jardine. 
Oh, certainly. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
I wouldn't be too sure. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 61 

Colonel Jardine. 
[Remonstrating. 1 My dear. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

You'll never get at it if you are so afraid to 
suspect anyone. I am trying to help Mr. Jerni- 
gan with a few suggestions. [Sits down again 
in her armchair.l 

[Charles enters. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Oh, Charles, I want you to tell me which of 
the servants went to watch the polo this after- 
noon? 

Charles. 

All of us, sir. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Do you mean to say I was left asleep in an 
empty house? 

Charles. 

Oh, no, ma'am, I was forgetting. One of the 
maids stayed in. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Which one? 

Charles. 
Pipkin. 



62 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Spiinging up excitedly.] There ! I said all 
along it was Pipkin. [To Jernigan.] You'd 
better go straight to the kitchen and arrest her. 
Have you got the handcuffs? 

Jernigan. 

[Quietly and politely.'] One moment, please. 
[To Charles.] You are quite sure that no one 
else was in the house this afternoon, besides the 
housemaid Pipkin? 

Charles. 
Only the mistress, sir. 

Jernigan. 
\To Mrs. Jardine.] Oh, were you at home? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Reluctantly.] Yes. [She glances uneasily at 
the other three.] I hope you don't suggest that 
I stole it. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Going towards her, to restrain her.] My 
dear Emily. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

This is a pretty pass you've brought things 
to, bringing your detectives into the house, and 
turning the library into a police court. I sup- 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 63 

pose you know I'm as good as committed to 
appear at the next Petty Sessions. 

Jernigan. 
When was the necklace last seen? 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Crossly.] I don't know. 

Colonel Jardine. 
[To Charles.] Ask Mrs. Gorringe to come 
here. [Charles goes out. Colonel Jardine 
turns to Jernigan.] Shell be able to tell ns 
that. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[To Jernigan.] You see, Mr. Jernigan, if 
Mrs. Gorringe had locked up her Jewels properly, 
as she ought to have done, all this would never 
have happened, and we might now be playing 
bridge as usual. 

Jernigan. 

Yes. 

[Mrs. Gorringe enters, followed hy 
Vicky, wJio sits in the window. Mrs. 
Gorringe comes forward, smiling, and 
evidently pleased with the importance of 
her situation. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Mrs. Gorringe, this is Mr. Jernigan, the de- 



64 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

tective. [Mrs. Gorringe bows to Jernigan.] 
Now, he's going to put some questions to you, and 
you must be very exact in your replies. Think 
you're in court, you know. 

Mrs. GoRRiNCfE. 

I understand. 

[Takes up a conspicuous position: very 
self-conscious from being the centre of 
interest. 

Jernigan. 
I didn't quite catch the name. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Pronouncing very distinctly.'] Gorringe. 

Jernigan. 
Mrs. Gorringe. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Yes, I married Mr. Gorringe in the year 
ninety-five. Before that I was a Miss Eose 
Pilkington of Ipswich. Is it necessary to give 
the age? 

Jernigan. 

Oh, no, thank you. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Thank you. I have had three children — 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 65 

Jernigan. 

[Interrupting her.] Yes, but it's not neces- 
sary to give these details now. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Oh, I see. 

Jernigan. 
You've lost a diamond necklace? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. It had a pearl clasp. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Impatiently.'] Oh ! 

Jernigan. 
When did you last see it? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Last night, when I went to bed. 

Jernigan. 
Did you wear it last evening? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
No, I wore turquoise. 

Jernigan. 

But you remember seeing the necklace when 
you went to bed? 



66 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Gokringe. 
Yes, I had it on. 

Jernigan. 
When you went to bed? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
No, before. 

Jernigan. 

You had it on after you went to your room, 
and before you went to bed? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Yes. 

Jernigan. 

Was anyone else in your room? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, no. I was quite alone. Mr. Gorringe is 
at home in Croydon. 

Jernigan. 

Were you wearing any other jewelry at the 
time? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Beluctantly.l Yes. 

Jernigan. 

I should like to know exactly what other 
jewelry you had on then. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 67 

Mrs, Gorringe. 

Some bracelets and rings and pins, three neck- 
laces, and some hair ornaments. 

Jernigan. 

Had you these ornaments on separately or at 
one time? 

[Mrs. Gorringe hesitates, glances uneas- 
ily at Mrs. Jardine^ who is staring at 
her mercilessly. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
I prefer not to answer that question. 

Jernigan. 

I am trying to find out if it is not possible 
that someone saw you last night with your neck- 
lace on. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Frightened.^ Oh, no, I'm sure no one saw 
me. 

Jernigan. 

As you have not lost any of the other orna- 
ments, I want to know if you had them on sep- 
arately or at one time. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Reluctantly, after looking askance at Mrs. 
Jardine.] I had them all on together. 



68 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

[Mrs. Jakdine loohs at her husband. 
Vicky puts her hand over her face. 
Jernigan is unmoved. Nobody laughs. 

Jernigan. 

Had you any particular reason for wearing 
them then? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. 

Jernigan. 
What ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I wanted to see how I should look as an Orien- 
tal. 

Jernigan. 

Ah, I understand. Then you don't remember 
this diamond necklace more particularly than the 
other jewelry? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Yes, I do. Because when I took it off I exam- 
ined it to see if the drops were quite firm. I 
ought to tell you first that it has five drops in 
front which come off and make into a tiara — 

Jernigan. 
[Trying to restrain her.'] Yes, yes. And now 
how did you come to discover the diamonds were 
missing ? 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 69 

Mrs. Gorringe, 

Well, I went up to my room when I came in 
from the polo match, and suppose the dressing- 
table to be there — [points to Vicky] where 
Miss Jardine is. And the door where this one 
is. [Points to the door.] I came in at the door 
something like this — [Goes to the door, opens 
it, goes just outside and comes in again.] I 
closed the door. [Closes the door, and goes to- 
wards Vicky as she says.] Then I crossed over 
to the dressing-table in quite an ordinary manner, 
just as I am doing now. [When she has nearly 
arrived at Vicky she stops suddenly.] Oh, no. 
I've made a mistake. The dressing-table, of 
course, would be there. [Points towards Mrs. 
Jardine.] I was thinking of the one at home. 
[She pauses a moment undecided, then says.] 
I must come in again. [She then runs to the 
door, opens it, goes just outside, closes it, opens 
it again and puts her head just inside to say,] 
Now you are to suppose I didn't come in before. 
[TaTces her head bach, and closes the door.] 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Scarcely able to restrain her impatience.] I 
shall scream in a minute. 

[Vicky begins to shal'e with laughter, 
putting her liandl'er chief over her 
mouth. The others ivatch Mrs. Gor- 
ringe gravely. Mrs. Gorringe enters 
and closes the door. 



70 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I crossed over to the dressing-table — which, of 
course, is here now. [Points to a spot near Mrs. 
Jardine, walks towards it, and stands still.] I 
opened my jewel-case. I don't know what made 
me do that then. I suppose I must have had a 
presentiment. Oh, no. It was to get these rings. 
[Bends up her hand to shew her rings.] I 
thought it looked different somehow, and what 
was it I said to myself? [Froivns as she thinks 
a moment.'] Oh, yes. I remember saying to 
myself, " Well, that's funny ! " Then all at once 
it came across me like a flash of lightning and 
I clasped my hands and exclaimed: [Clasps her 
hands dramatically.] " Great heavens, my dia- 
mond necklace has gone ! " [Drops her dramatic 
pose and tone.] Just like that. 

Jernigan. 

[Gravely.] I see. 

[Vicky, screaming with laughter, and 
holding her handkerchief over her mouth 
in a vain attempt to smother the sound, 
rushes out. Shrieks of hysterical laugh- 
ter are heard from tvithout. Mrs. Gor- 
ringe is very much hurt and annoyed. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Vicky, hush, hush. [Shuts the door after 
Vicky, then goes to Mrs. Jardine, as he says,] 
My dear, that child is becoming intolerable. 



MBS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 71 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

\^AImost crying with indignation, drawing 
Jernigan towards the sofa.] Mr. Jernigan, I 
want to speak to you privately a moment. [They 
sit down.] 'Now, — I want the house thoroughly 
searched for my necklace. 

Jernigan. 
Certainly. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I want everything clone. [LooJcs towards Col- 
onel and Mrs. Jardine to see if they are listen- 
ing, then moves nearer to Jernigan.] I never 
saw such indifference as they all show about my 
loss. This afternoon I could scarcely get them 
to send for you. They just dawdled over their 
tea — and Mrs. Jardine didn't want me to say 
anything at all about it. The way she went on 
you'd think my diamonds were only paste. 

Jernigan. 

I will do everything in my power to recover 
your jewels. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Thank you. It's a most valuable necklace. A 
lapidary once told me that the middle pendant 
— I think I told you there were five drops in 
front — is as large as a roc's egg. 



72 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Jernigan. 
A roc's egg? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Was it a roc or a pigeon? I forget, but it 
was some sort of egg. 

Jernigan. 
Will you take me to your room? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Misunderstanding him, rises indignantly. 1 
Certainly not. I couldn't think of such a thing. 

Jernigan. 

If you want me to trace your necklace, I must 
visit your room first. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Seeing her mistal'e, smiles confusedly.^ Oh, 
I see. Excuse me. [Addresses Colonel and 
Mrs. Jardine.] Mr. Jernigan and I are going 
upstairs to my room for a few minutes. [They 
stare hlanlcly at her. She explains hastily.)^ 
Anyone can come with us. Come, Mr. Jernigan. 
This way, Mr. Jernigan. 

[Mrs. Gorringe goes out, folloived hy 
Jernigan. As soon as the door is closed 
after them, Mrs. Jardine rises and 
walks about, giving vent to her sup- 
pressed irritation. , 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 73 

Mrs. Jardine. 
How I'm to bear the rest of Mrs. Gorringe's 
visit I don't see. She's only been here three days, 
and she came for a week, and she's just one of 
those women who if she came for a week would 
stay for a week, — whatever happened. I sup- 
pose she'll never see what inconvenience she's put 
us all to by having her necklace stolen. Every- 
one in the house suspected, — especially me, it 
seems. 

Colonel Jardine. 
That's nonsense, Emily. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I never liked Mrs. Gorringe. I don't see how 
I ever came to invite her here — [Colonel 
Jardine makes a movement of irritation.] You 
needn't do that. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Do what? 

[She imitates the movement of irritation 
he has just made. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Why, that ! I suppose there'll be no bridge this 
evening. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Why not? 



74 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jaudine. 

Well, who's to play ? You know we can't make 
a four without Mrs. Gorringe, — not that she's 
such a good player. 

Colonel Jaedine. 
We can get someone else. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

And how do you expect me to keep my mind 
on the game with the house in such a state of 
uproar? I never can settle properly for the 
night if I don't have a game of cards. [Takes 
her patience-board and cards from a table near 
the iDindow and brings them to the writing-table.^ 
I suppose I must content myself with patience. 
[Sits at the loriting-table, opens her patience- 
hoard, and lays out her cards. Mowbray enters.^ 

Mowbray. 

I didn't know Mrs. Gorringe was expecting her 
husband. 

Colonel Jardine. 
She isn't that I know of. 

Mowbray. 

Oh, I thought that must be Mr. Gorringe who 
went into her room with her. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 75 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I suppose she won't be satisfied till she makes 
a scandal in the house. 

[Vicky enters, mimicMng Mrs. Gorringe 
as she moves about. 

Vicky. 

I came in at the door something like this. I 
closed the door. I crossed over to my dressing- 
table in quite an ordinary way, just like this, to 
get some rings. Then I said to myself, " Great 
heavens, my diamond necklace has gone ! " Just 
like that. 

[The others watch her, amused, then Mrs. 
Jardine laughs heartily. She becomes 
quite amiable in seeing Mrs. Gorringe 
de7ided. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Excellent, excellent ! Mrs. Gorringe to the life ! 

MOW^BRAY. 

What's that? 

Vicky. 

[Becoming suddenly serious.l Oh, you don't 
know. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

You may as well. [Addressing Mowbray.] 
Mrs. Gorringe has lost a diamond necklace. 



76 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

Not the one with the pearl clasp and five drops 
in front? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Laughing.] Yes — [Seriously.] Eeally, 
some women are peculiar, 

Mowbray. 

Now I see why she talked about it all through 
dinner and asked me to repeat the story I told 
you about the fellow who stole a bracelet. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
And that was a detective. 

Mowbray. 

Oh, not the father of her three children? 
[Mrs. Gorringe enters. Mrs. Jardine 
betrays her irritation as soon as Mrs. 
Gorringe speal-s and begins pacJcing up 
her patience-board. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[To Colonel Jardine.] He's going to ques- 
tion the servants now. And he wants to know 
if you'll go. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Yes, yes, certainly. 

[Colonel Jardine bustles out. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 77 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[LooHng arcliJy at Captain Mowbray.] Have 
you been wondering where I'd run away to for 
so long? 

Mowbray. 

I am always wondering about you. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Vicky! [Vicky comes to her, Mrs. Jardine 
gives her her patience-hoard, and cards.'\ Carry 
that into the drawing-room for me. I feel as 
if I couldn't sit in the same room with that 
woman. 

[Mrs. Jardine goes out. Vicky follows 
her, carrying the patience-hoard. 

Mowbray. 
I'm sure I hope you'll soon find your necklace. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

l^Sighing.'] Thank you, I hope so. \^Archly.'] 
And until I do I shall expect my friends to do 
all they can to console me. [^Sits on the sofa.^ 
Now, amuse me. 

Mowbray. 

Shall I sing or recite? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

What a tease you are. We were having a de- 
lightful talk about something at tea this after- 



78 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

noon, when the others came in and interrupted 
us. [Pretending to forget.'] What were we 
talking about? 

Mowbray. 

Polo? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Still as if trying to rememher.] I don't think 
it was polo. 

Mowbray. 
Heroes ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Annoyed at his ohtuseness.] Oh, no — 
something interesting. 

Mowbray. 

Love? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[ArcJily-l For shame. [Sits with her hack 
to him, playfully severe.] I won't speak to you 
if you're going to be naughty. 

Mowbray. 
I remember. You said you noticed — 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Turning to him, playfully indignant.] I'm 
sure I never said anything so forward. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 79 

Mowbray. 

That I was in love with some one I met in 
this house. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Coyly dropping her eyes.] You're incorrigi- 
ble. • 

Mowbray. 

It's all off now. I've withdrawn. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Showing the disappointment she feels in this 
sudden end to her flirtation.] Oh ! [As he wan- 
ders away — she looks after him, then says 
archly,] I think I shall have to call you Captain 
Faint Heart. 

Mowbray. 

[Turning to her.] But if I can't honourably 
make love to the lady. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Cooingly.] Isn't all fair in love? 

Mowbray. 
It's love itself that's so unfair. It's a field 
in which merit doesn't count. Incompetence as 
often wins. The champions must have bright 
eyes, smooth cheeks, and charming ways. That's 
all they need. An old stager is too heavily handi- 
capped when he has to run against a youngster. 



80 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Enjoying herself immensely again.l So 
there's a youngster in love with your fair lady 
too! This is most interesting. [Laughs.] 

• Mowbray. 

[Grimly.] Quite laughable, isn't it? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Poor Captain Faint Heart. But I dare say 
the lady would listen to you before the young- 
ster. 

Mowbray. 
[Says earnestly.] Oh, do you think so? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I didn't say she'd listen to either. [Mowbray 
moves away. Mrs. Gorringe looks after him in 
mild surprise.] I declare, I believe you're quite 
in earnest. 

Mowbray. 

[Looking at her.] In earnest? Did you sup- 
pose I was flirting? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Smiling pensively.] T thought there might 
be just a soupgon of reality in it. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 81 

Mowbray. 

[Sighing half -humorously.] Just a soupgon — 
eh? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Coming towards him.] How could I believe 
you meant more? [With a touch of reproach in 
her tone.] Did you think I should have let you 
go on if I'd known your heart was involved? 

MOVP^BRAY. 

You knew all along it was hopeless? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Sentimentally.] Yes. It is hopeless. I'm 
not angry with you. 

Movs^bray. 
[Puzzled.] Angry ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Perhaps I'm even a little proud of my con- 
quest. 

Mowbray. 

Your conquest? 

Mrs, Gorringe. 

But I hope I shall never forget my duty to Mr. 
Gorringe and the children. 

[The shock of surprise is so great to Mow- 



82 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

BRAY that he laughs. Mrs. Gorringe 
looTcs extremely hurt, and seeing she has 
made a mistake hurries towards the 
door. 

Mowbray. 

[Trying not to laugh.'] I beg your pardon, 
Mrs. Gorringe — but there must have been a mis- 
take. 

[Mrs. Gorringe does not quite go out of 
the door, but stands with her hand on 
the handle, considering a moment. She 
then breaks into forced laughter and 
comes towards Mowbray. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Pretending to be in fits of laughter, which 
are obviously forced.] So you thought — that I 
thought — you meant me. What a trick I played 
on you ! It was too bad of me. But, oh, what 
fun it was! I took you in so beautifully. You 
ought to have seen your face. It was fun — 
such fun — oh, what fun ! [Finding her vocab- 
ulary exhausted, and as Mowbray doesn't help 
her, but only watches her, she goes towards the 
door, still laughing. As she does so Mowbray 
turns away- She stops laughing suddenly when 
she reaches the door, smothers an angry exclama- 
tion and goes out in a huff. 

Mowbray. 
[Chuckling to himself.] Mr. Gorringe and the 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 83 

children. What a morass that woman's mind 
must be. 

[David enters, dressed in his evening 
clothes. 

David. 

Where are the others? 

MOWBEAY. 

Hunting for Mrs. Gorringe's necklace with five 
pearl clasps and a drop in front. It's a great 
secret. Everybody's talking about it. 

David. 

Oh, I didn't hear them, but I've been dining 
alone with Isabel. 

M0V7BRAY. 

[Looking earnestly at David.] David, be very 
good to that girl. 

David. 

I did offer to let her off. I told her if she 
thought she could be happier with you — 

M0V7BRAT. 

What did she say? 

David. 
She said you'd never been any more than 



84 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

friends. I don't think she ever thought of you 
any other way. 

Mowbray. 

[Slowly, with a sigh.'] No, I don't think she 
ever did. She doesn't think every man is in love 
with her — like some people. She can be a 
friend. It's a wonderful thing in a woman. 

David. 

[Troubled.l I know it's not right that a 
bungler like me should stand between you and 
Isabel. 

Mowbray. 

[Generomly.'] You aren't to blame. Nobody 
is. It's just one of those damned things that 
can't be helped. And you must try not to be 
a bungler. And I must try what my philosophy 
is worth. 

David. 

You always had lots of philosophy, hadn't you ? 

Mowbray. 

Oh, lots — to give away. It's so easy to be 
a philosopher in one's unimpassioned moments. 
[With conviction.'] But I believe in my philoso- 
phy all the same, and when I've had time to re- 
member that I'm only one man in a big world, 
with no special license to have everything my 
own way, I shall find there are still a few things 
worth living for. But I must be alone. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 85 

David. 

Shall I go? 

Mowbray. 

No, I didn't mean that. But I can't stay in 
this house now. It's an impossible situation — 
so I think I shall just pack my things and go up 
to London to-night. 

David. 

How are you going to explain it? 

Mowbray, 
[Meditating.'] Yes — that's awkward. I don't 
want to explain it. I'll leave a note and say I 
was called away, and you can back me up m the 
morning. 

David. 

I'm awfully sorry. 

Mowbray. 
That's all right. And we're just as good pals 
as ever, aren't we, old boy? 

[Mowbray goes out. David stands still 
a few moments, expressing trouble and 
anxiety in his face. He glances at the 
howl. 

David. 

No one has guessed yet. Shall I never get a 
chance of taking it back? 



86 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

[Heard outside.] I suppose we can't do any- 
thing more to-night. 

[Enter Mrs. Jardine, Mrs. Gorringe 
and Isabel, 7iow wearing an evening 
dress. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I can't say I think much of your detective, 
Mrs. Gorringe, spending a whole evening ransack- 
ing the house and then finding nothing, 

Isabel. 
It may not be in the house. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Mournfully.'] No. Most likely at this very 
moment they're boiling it down in some thieves' 
kitchen. Oh, dear ! [Nearly cries.] 

[Isabel comforts her. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Turns to Isabel.] I suppose you've heard 
the latest? 

Isabel. 
N"o — what ? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

They accuse me. 

Isabel. 

[Laughing incredulously.] Oh, mother! 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 87 

Mrs. Jardine. 

You weren't here when he cornered me in his 
nasty police court way and forced me to admit 
I was alone in the house with Pipkin. 

Isabel. 
What did he say? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

It wasn't what he said. It was the look he 
gave me. You know I'm never mistaken in eyes. 

Isabel. 

We are all equally under suspicion; everyone 
who was in the house since Mrs. Gorringe saw 
her diamonds. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[With scarcely veiled contempt.'] Yes — since 
you dressed up in all your jewels, Mrs. Gorringe 
— to see how you would look as an Oriental. 
[Pauses before she adds,] That only lets David 
off. [David starts slightly, unnoticed by the 
others.] It's a lucky thing for you, David, that 
you had to go away yesterday. You are the only 
person in the house who couldn't have stolen 
Mrs. Gorringe's necklace. [An expression of re- 
lief passes over David's face for a moment, then 
he looks gloomy again. Vicky enters.] 



88 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Vicky. 

I've come to say good-night. Good-night, Mrs. 
Gorringe. [Kisses her.'] 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Sadly.] Good-night, dear. 

Vicky. 
[Kissing her mother.] Good-night, mother. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I suppose it's nearly time for us all to retire; 
not that we shall sleep, but it's been such a 
dreadful day we may as well finish it as soon 
as possible. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I feel so timid about going to bed in that 
room. ' 

Isabel. 

David has the room next yours, and you can 
have a bell by your bed if you like. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

But suppose the thief should enter in the dead 
of night and should seize my hand before I could 
grasp the bell, thinking to find rings upon it, 
or my throat before I could scream, thinking to 
find a necklace there. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 89 

Isabel. 

Would you like to share my room? 

[David listens intently for the answer. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Eagerly.l Oh, thank you, yes. I'll go and 
take my things there. I think we'd better put 
what's left of my jewelry under our pillows. 

Isabel. 
Won't that be rather uncomfortable? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I'll give you the flat cases and take the lumpy 
ones myself. Good-night, Mr. David. [Goes to 
Mrs. JardinE;, offering to Jciss her.~\ Good-night, 
Mrs. Jardine ! 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Emhracing Mrs. Gorringe mid kissing her 
affectionately on each cheek.] Good-night, dear 
Mrs. Gorringe. Sleep well. [Mrs. Gorringe 
goes out.'] What a woman ! [Mrs. Jardine and 
Vicky go out.] 

David. 

Isabel. [She comes to him.] I am going to 
try and be worthy of you. 

Isabel. 
You're beginning to be hopeful. 



90 MBS. GORBINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 

Yes. 

Isabel. 

You looked so depressed I was almost sorry 
for what I said. 

David. 

You did me a world of good. I think you 
saved me. 

[Colonel Jardine enters, drawing Mow- 
bray by the arm. Mowbray wears an 
overcoat and carries a suit-case in his 
hand. Jernigan follows them and 
stands near the door. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Zn his most jovial manner, laughing and draw- 
ing Mowbray along.] What do you think I 
found this rascal doing? Sneaking out of the 
house to get the last train without saying a word 
to any of us. 

Mowbray. 

[Em.harrassed.'l I was called away. I left a 
note and asked David to explain. 

Isabel. 

[Seeing Mowbray is embarrassed, goes towards 
him to help him out.] Father, Captain Mowbray 
may be going on important business. Don't make 
him miss his train. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 91 

Jernigan. 

[Comes forward.^ Excuse me. [They all look 
towards Jernigan.] No one ought to leave the 
house to-night if it can possibly be avoided. 

[David turns away to conceal his alarm 
from the others. 

Mowbray. 

[Readily.'l Certainly. [Puts his suit-case on 
the floor.'] 

Jernigan. 

[Naturally, — not at all suspicious of Mow- 
bray."] Just while this enquiry is going on. 

Mowbray. 

Yes, I see. I didn't think of that. I'll stay. 
[Stoops to pick up his suit-case.] 

Colonel Jardine. 

Don't you bother about that, the servant will 
take it up. 

Mowbray. 
Thank you. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[To Jernigan.] Now, I'm thinking of going 
to bed. Do you want me for anything more to- 
night ? 

Jernigan. 

No, I can get on all right. I may look about 



92 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

the house after you have retired, but I shaa't dis- 
turb anyone. 

[Colonel Jakdine and Mowbray and 
Jernigan go out. 

Isabel. 

Now I must rush up and help Mrs. Gorringe 
to install herself in my room. She's sure to bring 
about a dozen dressing-gowns and little jackets. 
You wait here and then I'll come back and say 
good-night to you properly. 

[Goes out quickly, smiling hack at David. 

David. 

[With decision.] Her room is empty and next 
to mine. I'll take it back now. 

[He crosses quickly to the howl, looks 
hastily toioards the door, then dips his 
hand in the howl. Mowbray strolls in. 
He has taken off his overcoat. He pauses 
and looks at David. He shows plainly 
that his curiosity is aroused. He closes 
the door. Hearing the door close David 
takes his hand quickly from the hoivl, 
turns round and sees Mowbray. He is 
uncertain whether Mowbray has no- 
ticed anything or not. He comes to- 
wards him with an assumption of ease. 

David. 

Hullo, Frank. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 93 

Mowbray. 

Hullo. 

David. 

It's awfully hard lines to have to stay when 
you're feeling so bad about it. 

Mowbray. 

[Searching the hook-shelves and the writing- 
table.] Yes, but it can't be helped. 

David. 
[After a slight pause.] Aren't you going up? 

Mowbray. 

Not yet. I shall stay here awhile. I was look- 
ing for something to read, but I can't find any- 
thing I want. [Sees his suit-case.] Oh. [Pulls 
it towards him and unstraps it as he speaks.] I 
have a book here that I took to read in the train. 
[Opens the suit-case and takes out a hook, lets 
the lid of the case fall down without shutting 
it.] If they aren't coming back, we may as well 
make ourselves comfortable. [Puts his feet up 
on the sofa, facing David, opens the hook and 
reads. David looks at him undecidedly, then 
strolls towards the window. When his hack is 
turned, Mowbray glances up from his hook and 
watches David. When David turns towards him 
he pretends to he absorbed in his hook.] 



94 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 

I say, Frank, Isabel asked me to wait for her 
here. 

MOWBKAY. 

[Without looking up.^ Did she? 

David. 

She's coming back to say good-night to me. 

Mowbray. 
[As before.'] Oh. 

David. 

We can't very well say good-night with you 
in the room. 

Mowbray. 

Then say it in another room. [Continues read- 
ing.] 

David. 

Well, how long are you going to stay here? 

Mowbray. 

[Without loohing up.] An hour or two. 
[David goes out into the garden reluctantly, look- 
ing hacJc at Mowbray from the window. Mow- 
bray appears to he absorbed in his hook. As soon 
as David is out of sight, Mowbray throws down 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 95 

his booh, jumps up, goes quickly to the howl, dips 
his hand in, takes out the necklace wrapped in 
the handkerchief, unwraps the handkerchief and 
discovers the necklace.] Good God ! 

[Isabel enters. 

MOWBEAY. 

Look here, I know I can trust you; I've found 
the necklace. 

[She looks at the necklace with great sur- 
prise. 

Isabel. 

Where? 

Mowbray. 

In that bowl. [Indicates the howLI Take it 
back to her room — and say — 

[Jernigan enters. 

Jernigan", 

I beg your pardon. I have Just come in to 
make a thorough search here — [Points to the 
necklace in Isabel's hands."] May I see what 
you have there? 

Isabel. 

The necklace. Captain Mowbray has just 
found it in that bowl. 

[Isabel looks at Mowbray. He nods. 
She gives the necklace to Jernigan. 



96 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Jernigan. 
I'll take charge of it. 

Isabel. 

I'll go and tell her it's found. [Going towards 
the door.] 

Mowbray. 
[Going towards the garden entrance.] I must 
go and see David. 

[Isabel goes out. 

Jernigan. 

It's a most unpleasant duty, but I am bound to 
ask if you wish to make any explanation. 

Mowbray. 
[Hesitates a moment.'] I? None. 

Jernigan. 

Do you mind telling me what made you look 
in there ? [Indicating the howl.] 

Mowbray. 

I'd rather not say anything yet. It's a little 
late to disturb the household. You and I will 
see the Colonel in the morning. 

[Mowbray goes out into the garden. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 97 

Jernigan. 

[LooJcs after Mowbray, then looks into the 
howl. Next he examines the handkerchief to see 
if it has a name on it. He then kneels beside the 
suit-case, opens it, finds another handkerchief, 
compares the two and exclaims.'] Mowbray! 



CURTAIN. 



THE THIRD ACT 

SCENE: — Same as Acts I and II. It is after 
breakfast the next morning. David and 
Isabel are standing, looking in each other's 
eyes, holding each other's hands. Isabel is 
dressed to go out. 

Isabel, 

I shall tell them I'm going to do my shopping, 
and you follow me in a few minutes. 

David. 

Yes. 

[MowBEAY enters from the garden. 

>M0WBRAY. 

Are you going out? 

iSABEL. 

Yes. I'm going into the town. 

[Isabel goes out. 
Mowbray. 

Last night when I came to tell you where T 
found Mrs. Gorringe's necklace, I couldn't get 
much out of you. 

98 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 99 

David. 
I felt awfully sleepy. 

Mowbray. 
I suppose you're wide awake this morning. 

David. 
[^Smiling — uneasily.] Yes — why ? 

Mowbray. 

It was seeing you take your hand out of that 
bowl that made me look there afterwards. 

David. 
I remember you saying that. 

Mowbray. 

I've been wondering ever since what you could 
have been looking there for? 

David. 

Oh — for matches. They sometimes keep a 
box there. 

Mowbray. 

It was funny that when you were looking for 
the matches you didn't see the necklace. 

David. 

Yes. I don't know how it was. 



100 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

H'm. [David turns away.'\ Is that all you've 
got to say about it? 

David. 

[Trying to bluff Mowbray.] You trust my 
word — don't you ? 

Mowbray. 

[Looks at him sorrowfully, goes to him and 
lays his hand on him as he says-l My dear old 
boy, I'm the best friend you have. 

David. 
[Uneasily.] I know that. 

Mowbray. 

[Looking at his face.] Have you nothing more 
to tell me? 

David, 

[Glances uneasily at Mowbray before he an- 
swers.] No. [Moves away.] 

[Colonel Jardine enters. 

Colonel Jardine. 
David, I hear you've got your marching orders. 

David. 

Yes. We sail on Friday. I must join to- 
night, so I shall have to leave here this morning. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 101 

Colonel Jardine. 
We shall be sorry to lose you. 

David. 

Thank you. [Takes up a newspaper and pre- 
tends to read it, as he listens anxiously to the 
other two.] 

Colonel Jardine. 

Well, now, Mowbray, what would you do about 
Mrs. Gorringe's necklace, if you were in my place ? 

Mowbray, 
[Deliberately.'] Nothing. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Surprised.] Nothing? Pooh, nonsense! 
Must do something. It's only fair to Mrs. Gor- 
ringe. 

Mowbray. 

Mrs. Gorringe has got it back. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Yes, but — it was a very awkward thing, you 
know, her losing it in our house. We ought to 
go to the bottom of this. 

Mowbray. 

I should think, as she is a visitor here, she'd 
be very unwilling to make any trouble about it. 



102 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Colonel Jardine. 

But still, you know — it makes me feel very 
insecure. If one of the servants is a thief, I 
want to know which it is. 



Mowbray. 

It never seems quite fair to suppose that it's 
one of the servants just because you've no evidence 
that it isn't. 

Colonel Jardine. 
It can't be one of us. 

Mowbray. 

[Speahs very earnestly, aiming his words at 
David as well as at Colonel Jardine.] It may 
be someone who fell suddenly in a moment of over- 
whelming temptation. This may be the first and 
last crime of someone — going about the house 
this morning showing an inscrutable face but 
hiding a heart that's quivering with shame and 
terror. If you track him with detectives you'll 
make a criminal of him; you'll push him into 
that damning underworld of society which is the 
only one open to the gaol-bird. If j^ou let this 
thing rest now — persuade your detective it was 
a mistake, — say the necklace was only mislaid, 
and send him away — you may save a man. 

[He stands watching the effects of his 
words on Colonel Jardine. David 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 103 

watches them furtively tvith painful anx- 
iety. 

Colonel Jaedine. 
You make me extremely uncomfortable. It's 
taking such a responsibility either way. 

Mowbray. 
Give him the chance. 

Colonel Jaedine. 
But — he may be a regular thief — or he may 

be she. 

Mowbray. 

Then give her the chance. 

Colonel Jaedine. 
I don't know that it's quite fair to Mrs. Gor- 
ringe not to sift this thing to the bottom. 

Mowbray. 
But, Colonel — if you take away a man's last 
chance of turning honest — think how uncom- 
fortable you'll feel for the rest of your life. 

Colonel Jardine. 
I am thinking of that. 

Mowbray. 
Never to know another good night's rest. 



104 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Colonel Jardine. 
Stop that, Mowbray. 

Mowbray. 

Colonel, you used to be the best-hearted man in 
your regiment. Your only fault, as a soldier, was 
that you were a bit too kind, but it's a fault that 
becomes you now you've retired. 

Colonel Jardine. 

{^Smiles, well pleased with himself-l Oh, my 
dear fellow — what nonsense, 

Mowbray. 
Live up to your reputation! 

Colonel Jardine. 

Well, perhaps we'd better let this thing slide 
now. 

Mowbray. 

Shall I tell the detective? [About to go and 
do so. Colonel Jardine stops him.'] 

Colonel Jardine. 

No. I'll tell him. I shall have to give him 
something for himself. 

Mowbray. 
Then we may consider it settled? 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 105 

Colonel Jakdine. 

Yes. 

[David can scarcely conceal his relief. He 
lays down his paper and goes out. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Still smiling under the influence of Mow- 
bray's flattery.] I suppose I am a soft-hearted 
old duffer, but you know I'm a happier man for it. 

Mowbray. 

Of course you are; and what a rare combina- 
tion that is, A soft heart and a hard brain. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Delighted.] You've noticed the working of 
my brain ! 

Mowbray. 

With amazement. 

[Mrs. Gorringe enters from the garden. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Cordially greeting Colonel Jardine.] Good 
morning. Isn't it a lovely day? 

Mowbray. 
[Cheerfully.] Good morning, Mrs. Gorringe. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Bows coldly.] Good morning. 



106 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Colonel Jardine. 
So you've got your necklace back. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[In an aggrieved tone.] That detective won't 
give it me. He says he is going to keep it him- 
self. 

Mowbray. 

Only during the investigation. 

Mrs. Gorringe, 

That's what he says. How do I know he won't 
keep it altogether. I should never have sent for 
him if I'd known he was going to behave like that. 

Mowbray. 
[Amused.] Did you tell him so? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Not in so many words. But when he refused 
to give it up, I couldn't help saying " Oh ! " 

Mowbray. 
By jove ! that was severe. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Let me explain it to you. 



MRS. 'gORRINGE'S NECKLACE 107 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
I don't want explanations. I want my neck- 
lace. 

Mowbray. 

You'll get it back at once — [Mrs. Gorringe 
turns quickly to Mowbray.] — If you persuade 
the detective you mislaid it. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
But I didn't mislay it. 

Mowbray. 

Couldn't you stretch the truth just about a 
quarter of an inch? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Why? 

Mowbray. 

To make it meet charity. Say you put your 
necklace there yourself. [Points to the bowl-l 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
He would think me a silly woman. 

Colonel Jardine. 

You see, Mrs. Gorringe, we don't want to prose- 
cute anyone if we can avoid it. It has just oc- 
curred to me that the thief may be some poor 
fellow who wants to turn honest — so give him a 
chance. 



108 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

Don't trample on the Colonel's generous im- 
pulses. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
But what about my other jewels? 

Colonel Jardine. 

Good gracious! You haven't lost anything 
else? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Not yet. But if I give him a chance I shall. 
He might take my rubies next, or my emerald 
lizard. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Becoming uncomfortable.'\ To be sure, we 
might all lose our valuables. It wasn't entirely 
my suggestion to let the matter drop. In fact, it 
was Mowbray's. 

Mrs. Gorringe, 

\WitTi marJced disapproval.'] Then I consider 
that Captain Mowbray took a great deal upon 
himself. 

Mowbray. 

Don't trample on my generous impulses. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

It's all very well for gentlemen to talk about 
being generous to thieves. They never have any 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 109 

jewelry to speak of. [Turns her back on Mow- 
bray.] 

Colonel Jardine. 

Mrs. Gorringe is very wise to think about her 
other jewels. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Yes, am I not wise? 

Mowbray. 
I don't think the emerald lizard is in danger, 
as, after this, Mrs. Gorringe is sure to be more 
careful what she leaves about. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
I shall do exactly as I please about locking up 
my jewelry. 

Mowbray. 

[Persuasively, to Mrs. Gorringe.] Though 
our generous impulses don't move you, I'm sure, 
from what I know of you, your own will. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Trying to he dignified and firm.] I beg you 

will not try to flatter me again. I don't like it. 

If Mr. Gorringe were here, I should certainly 

speak to him about it. [Moves away from Um.'\ 

Colonel Jardine. 
Of course, Mrs. Gorringe must keep the detec- 
tive if she wants to. 



110 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

[Calculating the effect of his words on Mrs. 
GoRRiNGE.] I suppose there's nothing for it but 
to find the thief and try him — while Scotland 
Yard keeps the necklace. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Eh ! — [To Colonel Jardine.] How long 
will that take ? 

Colonel Jardine. 
Oh — a few weeks. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[In dismay.'] Weeks ! 

Mowbray. 

Months — more likely. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Months ! 

Colonel Jardine. 
Now, what shall we do? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I don't care what you do, as long as I get my 
necklace back. I must say I think the whole affair 
looks extremely fishy. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 111 

Colonel Jaedine. 

Well, let's go and interview this fellow Jernigan. 
[Goes towards the door, then stops.^ But you 
know, I don't like this tarradiddling with Scotland 
Yard. 

Mowbray. 

[Seriously.'] Nor do I, I don't like it at all. 
[To Colonel Jardine.] .But, believe me, it's 
for the best. [Colonel Jardine goes out.] Be- 
lieve me, Mrs. Gorringe, it is for the best. 

[Mrs. Gorringe tosses her head, takes up 
a newspaper and turns her hack on Mow- 
bray. Mowbray goes out.] 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[With the newspaper in her hand.] Just be- 
cause he has been out to South Africa, he thinks 
he can teach us everything. They are so deter- 
mined to hush it up, I suppose there'll be nothing 
about it in the paper. [Mrs. Jardine enters.] 
They aren't going to try and find out who stole 
my necklace. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

It seems funny you should know that, Mrs. 
Gorringe. I have not been consulted yet. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Captain Mowbray has persuaded Colonel Jar- 
dine to send the detective away. 



112 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Since when did Captain Mowbray become the 
mistress of this house? 



Mrs. Gorringe. 

That's what I felt inclined to ask. I never met 
such a forward busybody as he is. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

{^Bridling quicJcly.^ I'm sorry you don't like 
our guests, Mrs. Gorringe. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I don't blame you, dear Mrs. Jardine — not for 
anything. I'm sure you had no idea — when you 
invited me — that my necklace would be stolen. 
And I shan't let it make any difference between 
us. I shall still stay my week out. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

{^After a moment of dismay, says very politely.] 
Of course, if you prefer to curtail your visit, I 
shall quite understand. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, no, dear. I really have no ill feeling about 
it, but I suppose I shall never convince you if I 
don't stay on, so I'll even extend my visit a little 
if you like» [Sits smiling on the sofa.] 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 113 

Mes. Jardine. 
[With a forced smile.] Oh, I hope you will. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Cheerfully.'] Of course I will. 

[Vicky enters, foUoived hy Colonel Jar- 
dine with the necklace, which he gives 
to Mrs. Gorringe. 

Vicky. 

Here it is ! 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, thank you. [Purrs over her necJclace.] 

Vicky. 

Let me see it. [Tries to take the necklace in 
her hands. Mrs. Gorringe draws it away and 
holds it up for her to see at a safe distance. Vicky 
touches it with her finger as she says.] There they 
are ! There are the five drops in front and there's 
the pearl clasp. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Christopher, have you sent the detective away? 
[Holds up her hand to prevent him answering.] 
Wait ! Before you tell me, perhaps you'd better 
go and ask Captain Mowbray's permission. 

Colonel Jardine. 
[Good-naturedly.] Nonsense, Emily! I told 



114 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Jernigan if he'd like to stay till noon I'd show 
him round the place. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
A very superfluous attention. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Smiling conceitedly.] Oh, well. It never 
does us any harm to be good-natured; we feel all 
the happier for it. He'll be so pleased he won't 
expect a present. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Purring over her necklace.] I do wish I 
knew who stole you. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[With decision.] There isn't any doubt at all 
in my mind. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Who? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Pipkin. Nothing will ever convince me other- 
wise. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Unconsciotis that he is quoting Mowbray. He 
thinks it is his own sentiment.] It never seems 
quite fair to suppose it's one of the servants just 
because you've got no evidence that it isn't. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 115 

Mrs. Jardine. 

\Ohstinately.'\ I shall certainly discharge Pip- 
kin. 

Colonel Jakdine. 

We have no proof against her. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I have all the proof I want. [Turns to the 
others and speaks as if she were delivering a strong 
argument.'] If she had no motive for concealing 
the necklace, she'd have found it when she did the 
room. That proves that if she is innocent — she 
doesn't do the rooms. 

Vicky. 
[Oiggling.'] Oh, mother, you are so funny. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Thoughtfully.'] In spite of what Mowbray 
said, I think we ought to get to the root of this 
matter. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
' So do I. 

Colonel Jardine. 

If Isabel had left it to me, instead of sending 
for a detective on her own account, I've no doubt 
I could have sifted this thing down myself. It 
only needs a little cross-examination. [He sets 
about his cross-examination in a quicks alert way 



116 MBS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

which he thinks is business-like and penetrating. 
Mrs. Gorringe pays the deepest attention. Mrs. 
Jardine superciliously ignores them. He ad- 
dresses Mrs. Gorringe, speaking rapidly.] Now, 
you say you saw the necklace for the last time the 
night before it was lost, but you didn't see it in the 
morning. No. You saw it again in the after- 
noon — that is, you saw it wasn't there in the 
afternoon. Is that right ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Without waiting for Mrs. Gorringe to say 
more, shoots his next question at Mrs. Jardine.] 
Now, then, where were you? [Waits for her to 
reply. She ignores him hy turning her chair with 
its back to him.] 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Mrs. Jardine was here. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Turns quickly to Mrs. Gorringe.] Oh, sHe 
was here. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Yes. On this sofa. [Pats the sofa.] 

Colonel Jardine. 
[Addressing Mrs. Gorringe in the same alert 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 117 

manner.'] Oh — well, now. You didn't see it 
practically all yesterday, so it might have been 
taken any time yesterday up to the time you found 
it was taken. You can't tell. [^Dwells on next 
line as if he were making an important point.] 
But you did see it the night before ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Deeply impressed.] Yes. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Well, now — we've got that far. [Turns sud- 
denly to Mrs. Jardine.] When did you last 
see it? [She still ignores him.] Emily, when did 
you last see Mrs. Gorringe's necklace? [She slowly 
changes her position, elaborately ignoring them.] 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[After a pause, during which she and Colonel 
Jardine both watch Mrs. Jardine.] Please say 
when you last saw it. 

[A looTc of irritation passes over Mrs. Jar- 
dine's face when Mrs. Gorringe speaks. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Emily, we are trying to sift this thing down. I 
want you to say when you last saw Mrs. Gorringe's 
necklace. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

We can't go on till you do. 



118 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

\_A long pause, during which Colonel Jar- 
dine and Mrs. Gorringe watch Mrs, 
Jardine^ waiting for her reply. She 
shows signs of growing impatience. 

Colonel Jaedine. 

Emily. 

[Mrs. Jardine begins to writhe with an- 
noyance. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Please say, Mrs. Jardine. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Unable to curb herself any longer, rises and 
rounds on Mrs. Gorringe.] Hold your tongue. 
[Mrs. Gorringe utters a scream of surprise 
and indignation. Then there is dead 
silence, during which they all remain 
perfectly still, no one looking at anyone 
else. Isabel enters, looks round in sur- 
prise. They all remain still as waxworks. 

Isabel. 
Wliat's happened? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Your father thinks he was cut out for a detec- 
tive, and as if I wasn't on the rack long enough 
yesterday, he must begin goading me with ques- 
tions again this morning. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 119 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
I'm sure Colonel Jardine didn't mean to goad 
you. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Turning angrily to Mrs. Gorringe.] If you'd 
lock your things up properly, instead of letting 
them lie about all over the house, we should have 
been saved all this turmoil. 

[They are all sJiocked as before. Mrs. 
Gorringe utters another scream. Isabel 
tries to calm her mother. 

Isabel. 

Mother ! 

Mrs. Jardine, 

[Refuses to he calmed.] Yes, I mean it. My 
house was a happy home till she came. Now I 
can't tell it from a police court. 

[Mrs. Gorringe screams again. The other 
three all remonstrate at once with Mrs. 
Jardine. 

Isabel and Vicky. 
[Together.] Mother ! 

Colonel Jardine. 

My dear! 

Mrs. Jardine. 
I was surrounded by a loving family, and now 



120 MBS. GORBINGE'S NECKLACE 

see them turn on me. \To Mrs. Gorkinge.] And 
it's all you! 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Wildly. '\ Do you know what you are saying? 

Isabel. 
[To Mrs. Jardine.] Don't say any more. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Oh, of course, you all take Mrs. Gorringe's side 
and turn on me. That's just what I should have 
expected of you. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Rises and tries to assume dignity as she ad- 
dresses Mrs. Jardine.] I could say a good deal. 
I might say how unsympathetic you have been all 
along about my necklace, but I think it would be 
more dignified simply to draw my visit to a close. 

[Goes out. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Muttering after her.'] About time, too. 

Isabel. 

[To Vicky, as Mrs. Gorringe goes out.] You 
go with Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Vicky goes out after Mrs. Gorringe. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 121 

Isabel. 

Now, mother, do pull yourself together and 
apologise to her. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Apologise? She'll want to stay her week out. 

Isabel. 
You're breaking all the laws of hospitality. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Whoever made the laws of hospitality didn't 
know Mrs. Gorringe. I'd believe anything of that 
woman. I'd like to know what she was before Mr. 
Gorringe married her — if they are married. 

Isabel. 
[Protesting.'] Mother ! 

Colonel Jardine. 

She said she was a IVJiss Eose Pilkington of 
Ipswich. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Derisively.'] Ipswich ! A shop-keeper's 
daughter, I suppose. Chemist, I should think. 
Can't you see the sign over the shop door, " Pilk- 
ington. Chemist " ? Gold letters on a black 
ground. [Having really convinced herself that 
Mrs. Gorringe was a chemist's daughter.] That 
accounts for her lack of breeding. No lady would 



122 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

quarrel with her hostess. But I suppose she can't 
be expected to know better — poor thing — with 
her upbringing. 

[Vicky enters quickly. 

Vicky. 

Mrs. Gorringe says she won't stay another 
minute. 

[Mrs, Gorringe enters. Her only change 
of dreSs is that she now wears her hat. 
Mrs. Jardine turns her back on Mrs. 
Gorringe. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

No, I couldn't think of it. I flew upstairs and 
opened the wardrobe and simply snatched the first 
hat I saw. I didn't even stop to get a veil. Then 
I flew down again, and, now, though it's damp 
under foot this morning, I'm going out in my 
house shoes. [Goes to Colonel Jardine, extend- 
ing her hand cordially.'] Good-bye. [Shakes 
hands cordially with Isabel.] Good-bye.* 

Isabel. 
But you aren't going to the train that way. 

Mrs. Gorringe, 

[Pleasantly.] Oh, no; I'm only going to Miss 
Potts'. 

[Mrs. Gorringe and Mrs. Jardine look at 
each other, up and down; then turn 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 123 

away contemptuously. Mrs. Gorringe 
goes out, followed by Vicky. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Now, let us breathe again. I feel as if we'd had 
some infectious disease in the house. 

[Mrs. Jardine goes out. 

Isabel. 
How did it all begin ? 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Scratches his head, puzzled.'] I hardly know. 
Your mother is so uncertain. She answered the 
detective's questions all right. I don't see why 
she wouldn't answer mine. I was just trying to 
sift this thing down with a little cross-examination. 
You know I think we ought to find out who took 
that necklace. 

Isabel. 



So do I. 



[Jernigan enters. 



Jernigan. 

I'm ready to be shown round, if it's convenient 
to you. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Oh, yes. Sit down a minute. [Jernigan and 
Colonel Jardine sit on the sofa. Isabel at a 



124 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

little distance.] I was just saying I think I 
ought to know who took that necklace. 

Jeknigan. 

[Surprised.] I understood you to say it was 
only mislaid. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Oh, yes — so I did, didn't I? But my wife 
doesn't agree with me. She still believes that the 
housemaid. Pipkin, is the culprit. She's going to 
discharge her. 

Jernigan. 

[Deliberately.'] If it was stolen — I don't 
think it was by one of your servants. 

Isabel. 
Mr. Jernigan evidently suspects someone. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Then speak out. 

Jernigan. 

All the evidence I have been able to gather 
points against one of your guests. 

Isabel. 
Oh! 

Colonel Jardine. 
Good gracious ! But we only have — well. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 125 

there's David Cairn — we've always known him ; 
besides, he was away when it was stolen. 

Jernigan. 
I don't suspect Mr. Cairn. 

Colonel Jardine. 

It couldn't be Mrs. Gorringe. She wouldn't 
steal her own necklace. 

Jernigan. 
You have one other guest. 

Colonel Jardine. 
You can't mean Mowbray. 

Jernigan. 

Last night Captain Mowbray attempted to leave 
the house quietly with a bag. Soon afterwards he 
was found in this room alone with the necklace in 
his hands, wrapped in a handkerchief, the dupli- 
cate of which was in his bag, and that was open. 

Isabel. 
But he found the necklace in that bowl. 

Jernigan. 

[Looking at Isabel.] Did you see him take it 
out? 



126 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

Of course I know that in your work you have to 
judge by external evidence, but in this case I am 
sure it has misled you. Captain Mowbray is an 
old friend of ours. 

Colonel Jaedine. 

Wait a minute, Isabel. This is certainly very 
strange. 

Isabel. 

But, father — you've known him for years. 

Colonel Jaedine. 

Yes, but — he's been at me just now, urging 
me with all his might to send you [looking at Jee- 
nigan] away and have no more enquiry. 

Jeenigan. 
H'm. That doesn't improve his case. 

Isabel. 

What motive could he have for stealing 
jewelry? He's a rich man. 

Colonel Jaedine. 
[To Isabel.] How did he become rich? 

Isabel. 
[Uncertainly.'] Mining — didn't he? 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 127 

Colonel Jardine. 

I don't know. [To Jernigan,] A few years 
ago he had nothing. Then he went to South Africa 
and came back rich. It was only yesterday after- 
noon he called himself an adventurer. 

Isabel, 
A good proof that he isn't one. 

Jernigan. 

Mrs. Gorringe told me she knew something 
against him. When I questioned her, she refused 
to say what it was. But she admitted that since 
an interview she had with him last evening her 
opinion of him had undergone a change. 

Colonel Jardine. 
She seemed very huffy with him just now, 

Isabel. 
[Losing her temper.'] Mrs. Gorringe is a fool. 

Colonel Jardine. 

That's no way to argue, Isabel. You women are 
so emotional. You won't stop and reason, 

Jernigan, 

Do you know when Captain Mowbray discovered 
you had a detective in the house? 



128 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Colonel Jardine. 

Yes, it was after dinner. I heard my wife tell 
him. And — yes — [turns excitedly to Jerni- 
gan] it was immediately after that I caught him 
escaping. 

Isabel. 

[With a smothered exclamation of indignation, 
which attracts their attention.'\ Oh ! 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Turning to Isabel.] Do you know why he 
wanted to leave in such a hurry — without a word 
to any of us? 

Isabel. 

No. But I think it's shameful to make such 
charges against a man like Captain Mowbray. 

Colonel Jardine. 
I'm not going to make a charge against him. 

Isabel. 

Then you ought to, and give him a chance to 
clear himself. 

Colonel Jardine. 

No, no. Better to hush it up. I don't want to 
do him any harm, and he'd find it very difficult to 
explain away so much evidence. 

Isabel. 
What's evidence when you Tcnow a man ? 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 129 

Colonel Jardine. 
You argue just like your mother. 

Isabel. 

Mother's going to discharge Pipkin. If only 
to stop that you ought to tell Captain Mowbray 
what you've been saying, and if you don't, I shall. 

[Mowbray enters. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Nodding awhwardly and trying to appear 
friendly.] Hello, Mowbray. [Quickly, to Jer- 
NiGAN.] Now, if you're ready I'll show you round 
the place. 

Jernigan. 

[Rising, as he says aside to Colonel Jardine.] 
I should like to question you further about Captain 
Mowbray. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Urging Jernigan towards the ivindow.'] Yes, 
outside. She'll get me into trouble with him if I 
stay here. 

[Colonel Jardine and Jernigan go out 
hurriedly into the garden. 

Isabel. 

Can you tell me why you wanted to leave us so 
suddenly last night? 



130 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 
Didn't you guess ? 

Isabel. 
[^Innocently.'\ No. 

Mowbray. 
Then I mustn't tell you. 

Isabel, 

I only ask you because — well, nobody seems to 
know — only they suspect — oh, dreadful things. 

Mowbray. 
Who do ? 

Isabel. 

Father and that detective. I may as well tell 
you at once. You know you went to father this 
morning and urged him to send the detective away, 
and you were found with the necklace last night, 
and so they think you — [Halts, not knowing 
how to express herself inoffensively.'] 

Mowbray. 

[Looks at her, then says deliherately.'] They 
think I stole it? 

[Isabel nods. He looks away from her 
slowly, stands still, looking very grave. 



know 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 131 

Isabel. 

\Watches him anxiously before she says."] You 
ow I don't believe a word of it. 



Mowbray. 



[Presses her hand gratefully, not looking at her 
as he says-l What do they say? 

Isabel. 
You know the way me?i argue. 

Mowbeay. 
Yes, yes ! 

Isabel. 

They go by little bits of evidence — pocket- 
handkerchiefs and bags and things of that sort, 
instead of by what they know. They've piled up 
a whole mountain of what they call evidence — 
things you've said and done at different times, 
probably without thinking — and when I tell them 
it's all ridiculous, they call me emotional. Oh, 
I'm glad I'm not a man ! 

Mowbray. 
Are they going to take any sort of proceedings ? 

Isabel. 

I don't know. But you will clear yourself, 
won't you? 



132 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 
I must. 

Isabel. 

I can't bear to hear such things said of you. 

Mowbray. 
I will clear myself. 

Isabel. 

That's right. [Moves away.] Then there's 
another thing. [He looTvS askance at her.] 
Mother's going to discharge one of the maids. 

Mowbray. 
Oh! 

Isabel. 

There's no evidence against her. It's all so 
silly. Father suspecting you, and mother, Pipkin. 
Aren't people dreadful? 

[David enters. Isabel turns to him, smil- 
ing affectionately. 

Isabel. 

Well, David, have you finished packing? [Turns 
to Mowbray.] N"ow, do go and see them. They 
are somewhere in the garden. 

Mowbray. 

[Quietly, hut firmly.l 1 want to speak to 
David first. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 133 

Isabel. 

No, afterwards. David and I haven't long to 
be together. He'll have to go to his train soon. 

MOWBKAY. 

I must speak to David now. 

David. 
Won't it do afterwards, Frank? 

MOVS^BRAY. 

[With authority.'] No, now. 

Isabel. 

[Impressed with the authority of his tone.] If 
it's so important. Don't keep him long. [Goes 
out.] 

MOW^BRAY. 

Since you went out they've been trying again 
to solve the mystery of who stole the necklace. 

David. 

[Trying to conceal his dismay.] I thought 
they were going to let it drop. 

Mowbray. 

Mrs. Jardine is going to discharge one of the 
maids. 

David. 

Oh, I'm sorry. 



134 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 
[Carelessly/, to put him off his guard.~\ Why 
are you sorry ? 

David. 

Well — if she's innocent. 

Mowbray. 

I didn't say she was. [Goes nearer to David.] 
I suppose you don't know if she's innocent or 
guilty ? 

David. 

Of course not. How should I ? 

Mowbray. 

Then you couldn't be blamed for letting her go 
away with a ruined character? 

David. 

[Uneasy under Mowbray's gaze."] Of course I 
couldn't. I say, you must excuse me. Isabel is 
waiting for me. [Goes towards the door.l 

Mowbray. 
The Colonel suspects someone else. 

David. 

[Stopping at the door.^ Who? 

Mowbray. 
Me. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 135 

David. 

[Taken ahack.l You ? But — [coming to- 
wards Mowbray] can't you clear yourself ? 

Mowbray. 
How do you know I'm not guilty? 

David. 

That's absurd. 

Mowbray. 

You say you don't know how the necklace got 
in that bowl ? 

David. 

I said I didn't know it was there. 

Mowbray. 

I did — according to circumstantial evidence. 
You'd think me rather a cad if I said nothing and 
let the poor girl be ruined — wouldn't you ? 

David. 
[Reluctantly.'] Yes. 

Mowbray. 

When I saw you looking there — for matches — 
By the way, what did you want a match for? 

David. 

To light my cigarette. 



136 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 
You hadn't got one. 

David. 

I was getting a match first. 

Mowbray. 

I never heard of anyone getting his match before 
he got his cigarette. 

David. 

I can't explain the reason for every little thing 
I do. 

Mowbray. 

\^Assuming an easy manner, to put David off 
his guard.'] If they come and ask me awkward 
questions, I suppose you wouldn't mind me telling 
them why I looked in the bowl. 

David. 
[Uneasily.] No — only — [Pauses.] 

Mowbray. 
Only what? 

David. 

I was only thinking it might make it look a bit 
queer for me. 

Mowbray. 

Why ? Even if you'd been found with the neck- 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 137 

lace in your hands, as I was, you'd be beyond 
suspicion. 

David. 
Yes — I hope so. 

MOWBKAY. 

Yes, because you left the house before it was 
last seen, and didn't come back till after it was 
stolen. 

David. 

Yes — I know. 

Mowbray. 

[Sternly.] You told me you were in the house 
yesterday afternoon when there was nobody about. 

David. 

[Tahen aback, hut still trying to hlujf.] Well ? 
That's no proof of anything. 

Mowbray. 

I'm not going to have my character blackened 
for something I didn't do. 

David. 
But I shouldn't think they'll charge you with it ? 

Mowbray. 

They'll gossip about it. I may have to bring 
an action for slander. 



138 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 
I shouldn't do that. 

MOWBRAT. 

You'll be abroad when I do. 

David. 
What have I got to do with it ? 

Mowbray. 

I thought I might count on you to vouch for my 
good character. 

David. 

Yes — of course. 

Mowbray. 

Then let us go out and see the detective now. 
l^Goes towards the window, then stops and turns 
to David.] Will you come? 

David. 
No. 

Mowbray. 
Why not? 

David. 

You needn't take any notice of this. They 
won't do anything, and it'll all die down soon. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 139 

Mowbray. 

[Looking steadily at David.] Are you quite 
satisfied to have the maid discharged? 

David. 

[Losing his self-control.] Why do you look at 
me like that? You keep your eyes on me every 
minute — as if you suspected me. 

Mowbray. 
You've denied all knowledge of it. 

David. 

Isn't that enough? 

Mowbray. 

Have I always found you so truthful ? [David 
quails before him, then sinks into an arm-chair.] 
David, if you confess to me now anything that 
incriminates you — I'll do what I can to shield 
you. Unless these charges increase till I'm forced 
to defend myself before the world, I'll take no no- 
tice of them, although Isabel has urged me to dis- 
pel them, and God knows what she'll think of me 
if I don't. Now, although they may have enough 
evidence to arrest me, they'll need a good deal 
more to convict me. This will be a big case, — 
the kind of case the whole country watches and 
reads about. You'll be drawn into it, because I 
shall be compelled to explain why I looked in 



140 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

that bowl. It will not be difficult to find witnesses 
to testify what train you came down by yesterday 
— not the one you said. It may not be hard to 
find someone who saw you enter the house while we 
were all out, for I shall not scruple to say in my 
own defence that you had told me you were here 
then, knowing that if you are innocent you have 
nothing to fear. Then they'll look into our past 
lives — mine and yours. They'll examine your 
record to see if you have a reputation for truth 
and honesty — 

David. 

[Campletely breaking down.'] Frank! Don't 
go on ! I did it. Oh, why did you tell that story ? 
It was that made me think of it — that story 
about a man who stole some diamonds and was 
never found out. It stuck in my mind so. I'd 
gone to pieces anyway. I'd been drinking and lost 
all my money — and I was so jealous of you and 
Isabel. When I came in yesterday I could see you 
both from my window — laughing together. When 
I came out of my room I passed Mrs. Gorringe's 
door. It was open a little way, and I remembered 
her saying how she left her things about, and that 
story about the man who was never found out 
came back and possessed me. When I pushed the 
door I could see the things lying there — and it 
seemed so easy. [He covers Ms face with Ms 
hands, then proceeds more calmly.'] I came to my 
senses as soon as I saw you all. I thought I could 
get it back without anyone knowing. I prayed for 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 141 

the chance to put it back. I promised Isabel I'd 
make a fresh start — and I will — I will, — if 
you won't tell. 

Mowbray. 

I'll shield you on one condition. You must give 
up Isabel. 

David. 

{^Suddenly scared, says hurriedly.] I can't. 

Mowbray. 
You can't marry her now. 

David. 

She won't know — no one will know. 

Mowbray. 

That's not it. Whether you and I know or 
whether the whole world knows — you fell because 
you are dishonest. That is why you must give 
her up. 

David. 
I know I'm unworthy of her, but — I'm not all 
bad. 

Mowbray. 

I know that. I don't ask you to be perfect. 
We all have our faults. But it isn't the number 
of his sins that mark a man — it's the kind. 



142 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 

[Humbly. 1 Don't you think — with, this ex- 
perience — I can be different ? 

Mowbray. 

The curse of degeneracy is always there, in 
your mind and in your heart. It's like a taint in 
the blood. It warps your judgment, poisons your 
impulses, lures you into constant danger. 

David. 

But with Isabel to help me — 

Mowbray. 

To help you — she — to give up her life to you 
who bring her only shame and sorrow — to expose 
her sweet nature day after day to your contamina- 
tion — to make her the mother of your children. 
No, it's not to be thought of — you must not marry 
her. 

David. 

I can't give her up. 

Mowbray. 

Then she must know the truth. If you don't 
break your engagement before you leave this house 
I shall tell her that — 

Isabel. 
[Calls outside,'] David 1 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 143 

[Isabel enters. Mowbray breaks off sud- 
denly in his sentence as she enters. 

Mowbray. 

[LaoJcs at Isabel, then says to David.] Tell 
her. 

[Mowbray goes out into the garden, 

Isabel. 

David, it's nearly time for you to go. [David 
goes towards Isabel, looks at her, breaks down and 
sijiks on the sofa, sobbing. Isabel comforts him.^ 
Don't, dear, don't. We shan't be parted very long. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Knocks on the door and calls without.'] 
David! It's time to go. 

Isabel. 
They're calling you. 

Colonel Jardine. 

[Knocking and calling as before.'] You'll miss 
the train. 

[Isabel draios David gently towards the 
door. He folds her in his arms in a long 
embrace. 

David. 
Isabel ! 



144 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

Good-bye ! [He goes out; she goes towards the 
window, looking after him and crying.'\ 

[Mowbray enters quietly. She does not 
see him. He stands and watches her sor- 
rowfully as she waves her handkerchief 
out of the window, trying to smile. She 
turns from the window and sees Mow- 
bray. 

Isabel, 

[Drying her eyes.l I'm glad you know about 
David and me. I can talk to you about him. It's 
so terrible to say good-bye. [Dries her eyes and 
recovers her composure gradually.^ But it's only 
for a little while. If they keep him long out there 
I shall go to join him. [Mowbray betrays in- 
creasing dismay as she continues.^ I feel content 
about him now. I think it's going to be all right. 
[Jernigan enters, with an open letter in 
his hand. 



Jernigan. 

I've just received this letter from Mrs. Gorringe. 
She desires me to continue my investigation. 



Mowbray. 

[To Jernigan.] I hear you have circumstan- 
tial evidence against me. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 145 

Isabel. 

I'm glad you have this chance to clear yourself. 
[Goes towards the door.'\ 

Jeknigan. 
[To Isabel.] Please don't go. 

Mowbray. 
I don't wish to explain before her. 

Jernigan. 

I need her evidence. [To Isabel.] If this 
matter is brought into court you will be the most 
important witness. Please remember this, and 
answer me now as carefully as if you were on oath. 





Isabel. 


Yes. 


Jernigan. 


What is your 


Christian name? 




Isabel. 


Isabel. 


Jernigan. 


Single? 


Isabel. 


Married. 


Mowbray. 


[Startled.'] 


Married ? 



146 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

I was married this morning at the Registry 
Office to David Cairn. 

Jernigan. 

Last evening when I came into this room and 
saw you receiving the stolen necklace from Cap- 
tain Mowbray, did you see him take it from 
that bowl? 

Isabel. 

No. 

JERNIGAlSr. 

Thank you. [To Mowbray.] What is your 
explanation ? 

Mowbray. 

[LooJcing at Isabel.] Married! [To Jerni- 
gan.] I — can't explain — 

Jernigan. 

I must press you to do so, or it will be my pain- 
ful duty to take you into custody. 

Mowbray. 

[To himself. '\ Married! [Turns to Jerni- 
gan.] I decline to explain. 



CURTAIN. 



THE FOURTH ACT 

SCENE. — The same as Acts I, II and III. About 
one minute has elapsed since Act III. 

Isabel is alone, distracted with anxiety. She 
draws her hand across her eyes, rings the bell, 
goes to the writing-table, sits and writes a 
note, places it in an envelope and seals it. 

[Charles enters. 

Isabel. 

{^Addressing the envelope as she speahs.^ Take 
this to Mrs. Gorringe at once. She's at Miss Potts' 
— Just over the way. [Gives the letter to 
Charles.] 

Charles. 
Yes, miss. 

[Charles goes out with the letter, holding 
the door open as he goes to allow Col- 
onel and Mrs. Jardine to enter. Their 
faces express solemn amazement. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

We've just heard. You could knock me down 
with a feather. \8he looJcs at the others.] 
Hasn't anyone an3i;hing to say? 
147 



148 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Colonel Jardine. 

[In a superior tone.'\ I'm not as surprised as 
you are. I suspected it was Mowbray for some 
time. 

Mrs. Jaedine. 

You always did know before hand — when it's 
all over. You weren't the only one who suspected, 
either. Don't you remember me saying the day 
he came, " There's something I don't like about 
that man's eyes"? 

Colonel Jardine. 

No; I don't remember you saying anything of 
the kind. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Well, I thought it. I've heard of people enter- 
taining angels unawares, but I never heard of any- 
one entertaining a thief and a chemist's daughter 
unawares. 

Colonel Jardine. 

I wonder what we'd better do. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

There's nothing for us to do. I suppose Black 
Maria will call for him in the usual way. 

Isabel. 

Father, I've just sent a note to Mrs. Gorringe 
to ask her not to prosecute him. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 149 

Colonel Jardine. 
Do you think she won't want to now? 

Isabel. 

I hope she won't. We shall find out when she 
comes. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
When who comes? 

Isabel. 
Mrs. Gorringe. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
I'm not going to have that woman coming here. 

Isabel. 
Mother, this is no time to think about trifles. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Trifles ! Do you call it a trifle when a shop- 
keeper's daughter insults your mother? 

Colonel Jardine. 

My dear, you don't know that she's a shop- 
keeper's daughter. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
You don't know what she isn't. 



150 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

Captain Mowbray will be taken away by the 
detective directly. If you don't care about him, 
I suppose you don't want to be mixed up in a 
public scandal. It rests with Mrs. Gorringe to 
prevent that. 

[Charles enters. 
Chaeles. 

[^Announcing.'] Mrs. Gorringe. 

Mrs. Jaedine. 

Not at home. 

[Charles turns to go. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Wait a minute, Charles. [Goes to his wife.] 
My dear, Mrs. Gorringe knows something else 
against Mowbray. Now we ought to find out what 
it is, so I think you'd better apologise. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
I shall not apologise. 

Colonel Jardine. 

"We shall never find out what she knows if you 
don't. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

\_After a moment's reflection says to Charles.] 
At home. 

[Charles goes out. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 151 

Colonel Jardine. 

As it may be something of a private nature, I'll 
leave you and Isabel to get it out of her — 

[Colonel Jardine goes out into the gar- 
den. Enter Charles. 

Charles. 
Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Mrs. Gorringe enters, a little nervous as 
to how she will he received. Charles 
goes out. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Meeting Mrs. Gorringe with great cordiality.'] 
Dear Mrs. Gorringe, I told Isabel to ask you to 
come so that I might tell you how much I regret 
our quarrel. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Dear Mrs. Jardine, it was all my fault. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
No, no. I was entirely to blame. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Oh, now, I won't hear you say that. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
You must try to forgive me. 



152 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Goeringe. 

Indeed, it is you who must try to forgive me, 
may I say Emily? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

I wish you would — er — [Puzzles a moment.l 
What's your name? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Eose. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

What a pretty name ! [Sits on the sofa, draw- 
ing Mrs. Gorringe down beside her.] Now, 
Rosie — what's the other thing you know against 
this Captain Mowbray? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Verging on a nervous breakdown throughout 
the scene.] I'll tell you presently. 

Isabel. 
Are you going to prosecute Captain Mowbray? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I'll come to that directly. I can't tell you what 
I felt when I got Isabel's letter. My head all went 
dizzy and my heart fluttered like a bird. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 153 

Mrs. Jardine. 

You can't have been surprised to hear this man 
Mowbray had been arrested, after what you knew. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I've hardly had time to realize if I was sur- 
prised or not. My knees are quivering like aspen 
leaves. 

Isabel. 

But you won't prosecute, will you ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Give me a little time to get over the shock. I 
was in a state of palpitation anyway, — after the 
words we had. [Mrs. Jardine pats Mrs. Gor- 
ringe forgivingly.'] I'd run all the way to Miss 
Potts's — perhaps not quite nil the way — but 
most of the way — in nothing but my house-shoes 
and a hat. Oh, dear ! It's beginning again. 
[Puts her hand to her heart and doses her eyes.] 

Isabel. 

The salts. [TaJces a bottle of salts from a 
table.] 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Recovers in a moment and goes on volubly.] 
When I got to Miss Potts's I rang the bell. Jane 
came to the door, or was it Minnie? My head's 
going round and round so I can't even remember 
who came to the door. 



154 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

[Exasperated.^ Never mind who came to the 
door. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, don't say that, Isabel. My nerves are so 
upset. There ! You've made it begin again. 
[Closes her eyes and lays her hand on her heart.] 

Mrs. Jardine. 

We shall never find out what Mowbray did, at 
this rate. 

[Isabel applies the salts to Mrs. Gor- 
ringe's nose so suddenly that Mrs. 
Gorringe screams. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Thank you, dear. I believe I should have 
swooned if I hadn't had that sniff. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Now, tell us about Mowbray. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. "V\^ere was I? Oh. After I'd written 
that letter to Mr. Jernigan we went upstairs. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Who? You and Mowbray? 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 155 

Mrs. Gorringe, 

No. Miss Potts and I. Miss Potts poured out 
some water and said, " There, dear, bathe your 
eyes." And I said, " Thank you, dear, and if you 
could lend me a comb I should be so grateful, as 
I've brought nothing with me." 

Isabel. 
[Exasperated.'] Mrs. Gorringe! 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Don't interrupt me, dear; I shall lose the 
thread. 

Isabel. 

There's no time to waste. Are you going to 
prosecute or are you not? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Now I've lost it. I don't know where I was. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
You were in Miss Potts's bedroom. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. And while I was trying to make myself 
fit to be seen — all of a sudden — 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Mowbray came in. 



156 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
No — not Mowbray. 

Mrs. Jardine. ^ 

[Exasperated.] Well, where does Mowbray 
come in ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

I'll tell you presently. I can't speak more than 
one word at once. Minnie or Jane, or whichever 
of them it was, came in with Isabel's letter. I 
can't tell you what I felt. My head went all 
dizzy and my heart fluttered like a bird. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Yes, yes. [Losing her temper.] And your 
knees quivered like aspen leaves. Oh — 

[Moves away from Mrs. Gorringe. 

Isabel. 

I'll get the detective to her. 

[Isabel goes out quickly. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Looking after Isabel.] I'm afraid Isabel 
doesn't like me. [Rising.] I really must go to 
the chemist and get a nerve tonic. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Pricking up her ears.] The chemist? 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 157 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. I wonder which is the best one to go to. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
I should have thought you could tell me that. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Why? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Never mind the chemist; let us prepare a little 
statement for the detective. [Sits at the writ- 
ing-table, takes a pen and paper.'] 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh no, no. If I have to undergo any more 
of those searching questions, I shall lose my rea- 
son. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

It won't take long. \Writing as she speal^s.'] 
Birthplace Ipswich. [Turns to Mrs. Gor- 
ringe.] Father's name? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Arnold Pilkington. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Occupation? [LooJcs searchingly at Mrs. Gor- 
ringe.] 



158 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
[Losing her head.'\ What do they call them? 
— Che — Che — 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Chemist ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[On her dignity.'] No. County Councillor. 
Papa's the Mayor of Ipswich. 

[Isabel enters, followed by Jernigan. 
About the same time, Colonel Jardine 
enters from the garden. 

Isabel. 

[To Mrs. Gorringe.] Please tell Mr. Jerni- 
gan if you intend to prosecute or not. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Of course I don't want anyone to go to prison. 

Isabel. 

[To Jernigan.] There! You see! She 
won't ! 

Jernigan. 

[To Mrs. Gorringe.] In your letter you in- 
structed me to arrest whomever I suspected. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes — because — [Laughing as she goes to- 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 159 

wards Mrs. Jardine.] You know you said they 
suspected you. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
[Indignantly.l Me? What next! 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

[Laughing as she explains to Jernigan.] I 
ought to tell you that Mrs. Jardine and I had 
a tiff this morning, and — well, I was so put out 
I felt ready to do anything to annoy her. [Turns 
to Mrs. Jardine. They laugh together. Mrs. 
Jardine's laughter is a good deal forced.] 

Jernigan. 

This question of prosecution doesn't affect Mrs. 
Jardine, but Captain Mowbray. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Ah! He was very rude to me. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Eagerly.] Ask her what he did, Mr. Jerni- 
gan. 

Jernigan. 

What is it you know against him? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Well — we were standing about there — no, 
there. [Points to the carpet near her feet.'] 



160 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Who? You and Miss Potts? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
No. Captain Mowbray and I. 

Mrs. Jardine. 
We've come to Mowbray at last. 

Colonel Jardine. 
Don't interrupt her. Now, what did he say? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
You promise you won't tell Mr. Gorringe? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Wheedling Mrs. Gorringe.] Now, Rosie — 
trust Emily. 

[Mrs. Gorringe pats Mrs. Jardine on 
the cheek. Mrs. Jardine is intensely 
annoyed by this familiarity. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Well — 

Colonel Jardine. 

Out with it. We're all waiting to hear what 
he said. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
I don't remember what he said, but / said — 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 161 

Omnes. 
Yes — yes — well ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

" I hope I shall never forget my duty to Mr. 
Gorringe and the children." 

^Draws herself up and looks round at the 
others, very well satisfied with herself. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

[Eagerly.'] What had he done? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Nothing. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Well — what did he do ? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Nothing. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Is that the whole story? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 
Yes. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

{Turning angrily from Mrs. Gorringe, and 
marching towards her husband.'] And you made 
me apologise to her to hear that. 

[All their hacks are turned to Mrs. Gor- 



162 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

EiNGE^ but she does not perceive this as 
she rambles on. 



Mrs. Gorringe. 

That shows you the kind of a man he is — 
He's the sort of man to lead a woman on and 
make her say things that — well, I don't think 
I know you well enough to explain — [She looks 
at the others and sees that no one is paying any 
attention to her.'] If you've all done with me, 
I'll go. 

Colonel Jardine. 

Don't go, Mrs. Gorringe. Now that you and 
Emily have kissed and made friends, why don't 
you stay and finish your visit? 

Mrs. Jardine. 

{Pulls the Colonel's coat-tails, as she interposes 
herself between him and Mrs. Gorringe.] Chris- 
topher ! How inconsiderate of you ! Of course, 
dear Rosie, we should love to have you with us, 
but I'm sure you'd have hysterics all night long 
in that room. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, I know I should. Did I ever tell you 
how I came in and closed the door? It's as if 
the dressing-table were there — [Points to the 
window.'] No, there. [Poijits somewhere else.] 
And the door — [Coming towards the door.] 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 163 

Colonel and Mrs. Jardine. 
[Quickly, together.} Yes, you showed us. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, of course. You were in the room when 
I was telling Mr. Jernigan. Good-bye. [Shakes 
hands with Mrs. Jardine.] 

Mrs. Jardine. 
Good-bye. 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Good-bye. [Shakes hands with Colonel Jar- 
dine.] 

Colonel Jardine. 
Good-bye. 

Isabel. 
Are you going back to Miss Potts? 

Mrs. Gorringe. 

Oh, no, dear. I'm going back to Mr. Gorringe 
and the children. 

[Mrs. Gorringe goes out. 

Mrs. Jardine. 

Come, Christopher, let us speed the parting 
guest. 

[Mrs. Jardine goes out after Mrs. Gor- 
ringe. 



164 MBS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Colonel Jardine. 
Certainly. You always were a model hostess. 
[Colonel Jardine goes out after Mrs. 
Jardine and Mrs. Gorringe. 

Jernigan. 
I must go back to Captain Mowbray. 

Isabel. 

As Mrs. Gorringe knows nothing against him, 
and won't prosecute — you can release him, can't 
you? 

Jernigan. 

If she won't prosecute — I must. 

Isabel. 
Oh, no. 

Jernigan. 

I believe a felony has been committed. Cap- 
tain Mowbray has practically confessed. It is 
my duty to arrest him. 

Isabel. 

But you'll ruin him — you will, indeed. I 
know he didn't do it. The necklace is found. 
There's no harm done. • 

Jernigan. 
[Unmoved, hut not harshly.'] My work accus- 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 165 

toms me to scenes like this. I have seen so many 
women weep and pray for mercy that I have 
become hardened. [Turns to the door.] 

Isabel. 

[Quietly.] I would like to speak to him be- 
fore you go — only a few words, but alone. 
Please don't refuse me that. It's only to say 
good-bye. 

Jernigan. 

It's a violation of my duty, but I feel I can 
trust you. 

[Jernigan goes out. 

Isabel. 

What can we do? [Enter Captain Mowbray.] 
I'm so sure this is all a mistake. Can't you tell 
me? I'll keep your secret. 

Mowbray. 
It's best as it is. 

Isabel. 
But if they send you to prison. Oh, think — 
[She is overcome with emotion.] 

Mowbray. 

They won't send me to prison. There'll be a 
trial, most likely, but I think I shall get off. 



166 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 
Then you admit it's a mistake. 

Mowbray. 

[Momentarily confused.] I — I — You said 
yesterday you trusted me. 

Isabel. 
More than any man. 

Mowbray. 
Then — trust me still. 

Isabel. 

I do. But you leave me so in the dark. I 
thought you'd explain it to me, — just me. [He 
turns silently away.] If you can't — [Giving 
vent to her emotion.] Oh, I can't bear it. To 
see you taken away like a criminal, if they'd only 
take me instead of you ! If only I could bear 
the shame we've somehow brought on you to- 
day — [Falters.] my wedding day. [Breaks 
down.] 

Mowbray. 

[Comes towards her, speaking tenderly and sor- 
rowfully.] Yes, poor child, your wedding day, 
but brighter days will come, and soon you'll for- 
get that your wedding bells never rang. 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 167 

Isabel. 
[Brolcenly.] It isn't that I care about. 

Mowbray. 

'No. I know, but Fd pictured your wedding 
day so differently. 

Isabel. 

You know why I married David, — you, only 
you. You know I don't regret it, and I think he's 
going to turn out well now. But I can't realise 
that we are married. We spoke a few hurried 
words in the Registry Office — that was all. It 
hasn't made any difference to me yet. And 
David isn't in danger and you are. I must place 
you first now. [Seeing his emotion as she looks 
into his eyes.'] Do I make it harder for you? 

Mowbray. 
[With exaltation.] No — no — so much easier. 

Isabel. 
[Innocently.] How can I make it easier? 

Mowbray. 

Because whatever my life is now — and it's 
likely to be lonely — I shall always remember that 
for one moment you placed me first in yours. 



168 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

[Innocently, putting her face near to liis.'\ 
Will that make it easier? 

MOWBEAT. 

[Looks into her face, then draws bach sud- 
denly. 1^ Don't tempt me. You know what I 
mean. I've wasted the best years of my life — 
an exile — working to grow rich — for you. And 
then — when I thought I'd won you — to see 
you snatched from me — by a boy. [She turns 
away.] Forgive me. Don't make me feel 
ashamed of myself. [She gives him her hands.] 
If ever we meet again we shall both be loyal to 
David. And if we never meet — perhaps the pain 
will grow less in time — and I shall be glad to 
think you know how sT^eet your memory will be 
to me. I shall often see your kind eyes smil- 
ing — and hear your voice, — Good-bye. 

Isabel. 

Good-bye. 

[Isabel goes out slowly, closing the door 
after her. David enters suddenly from 
the garden. His face is drawn and 
white. He seems on the verge of ner- 
vous prostration. 

David. 

Frank! 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 169 

Mowbray. 
David ! 

David. 

You mustn't do this for me. 

Mowbray. 
Why are you here? 

David. 
To give myself up. 

Mowbray. 
How did you hear about it? 

David. 
The servant said you'd been arrested. 

Mowbray. 
But why did you come? 

David. 

Because I'm not fit to be in the army. I'm not 
fit to look the other fellows in the face. I thought 
they could all see it in my face. Isn't it there? 
Can't everyone see it? 

Mowbray. 

\Laying Jiis hand firmly on Dated.] David, 
you've got to think of Isabel. 



170 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

David. 

Isabel! [^Sinks into a chair sobbing.'] 

Mowbray. 
[Firmly.] Pull yourself together, man. She 
mustn't see this. 

David. 

She's got to know the truth. 

Mowbray. 
She must never know it. Forget the past. 

David. 

I can't. 

Mowbray. 

You must. Brand yourself, you dishonour her. 
Think what that means, some of her friends shun- 
ning her, some pitying her — all humiliating her. 
If you confess now, she will have to live in the 
glare of your crime. Don't bring her to that. 
Think man, think — Grip hold of yourself and 
think. 

David. 

I can't let you suffer for me. 

Mowbray. 

Don't think of me. Think of the girl you mar- 
ried this morning. She placed all her life in your 
keeping. Oh, take care of it, take care of it. 



MRS. GORKI NGE'S NECKLACE 171 

David. 

It's too late. 

Mowbray. 

It's not too late. You're a boy yet. You've 
made a bad start, but you can get over that. 
Begin again, your life is before you. The past 
is only to warn you, 'not to make you despair. 
Begin again, say, " I will conquer," and you can. 
No man succeeds by accident. It's by faith and 
self-control, and hard work, and it's worth it. 
It's worth everything to be your own master and 
not your own slave. Begin again, at once, and 
don't delay. That's why people fail, because they 
put off making that first big effort. Make yours 
now. Be strong. [David hreaJcs down.'] She 
mustn't see you like this, I'll detain her while 
you pull yourself together. Look forward, lad — 
there's always hope ahead. You repent, there's 
hope in that, and you're not going out alone; 
you're going to face the world with a true woman. 
And with youth, and hope and faith, and Isabel 
— why, damn it, you can triumph over every- 
thing. 

[Mowbray goes out. 

David. 

[Hopehssly.l The curse is always there in 
my mind and heart. I'm tainted — Oh ! Isabel ! 
[Rises with determination.] I won't bring her 
dishonour, I'll set her free. There's only one 
way — I'll do it — I'll do it. \_Goes to the 



172 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

writing'tdble, sits down, and writes a letter in 
feverish haste. His voice breaks as he says.^ And 
now, good-bye — Isabel. Good-bye. [Puts the 
letter in the envelope, addresses it.^ For Isabel. 
[Chakles enters as if looking for someone. 

David. 
Who are you looking for? 

Charles. 
Miss Isabel, sir. 

David. 

Here. [Charles comes to David, who hands 
him letter.^ Give her that — in five minutes. 

Charles. 

[Takes the letter.] I'll give it to her now, 
sir. ' 

David. 

[Angrily.] Not now. Have you so sense? 

Charles. 

Beg pardon, sir. In five minutes. [Turns to 
the door.] 

David. 

Charles. [Charles comes to him.] I didn't 
mean to speak angrily to you. I mean, — I don't 
want those to be my last words. Here — 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 173 

[Feels in his pockets, takes out some coins and 
gives them to Charles.] 

Charles. 
[Taking the money.'] Thank you, sir. 

David. 
[Puts his hand on Charles' shoulder as he 
speaks.] Don't make a mess of your life, Charles. 
[Charles goes out and closes the door. 
David takes a revolver from his pocket, 
examines it, then goes out into the gar- 
den. Enter Isabel and Captain Mow- 
bray. 

Isabel. 
I thought you said David was here. 

Mowbray. 
I left him here. 

[Isabel rings the bell. 

Isabel. 
But why should he come back? 

Mowbray. 
He's awfully broken up about me. 

Isabel. 
How could he know? It all happened after he 
left. 

Mowbray. 

He knew the suspicion was on me. 



174 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Isabel. 

[As if struck hy an inspiration.1 Oh! \^Goes 
quickly to Mowbray.] Are you doing this to 
shield — anybody ? 

[Charles enters, holding the letter. 

Mowbray. 
Where is Mr. Cairn? 

Charles. ' 

He was here just now. 

Mowbray. 
Did he say anything about going away? 

Charles. 

No, sir. 

Isabel. 

[Noticing the letter in Charles' hand.] What's 
that letter? 

Charles. 

He said I wasn't to give it you for five min- 
utes. It must be five minutes now. [Hands the 
letter to Isabel.] 

[Charles goes out. 



it! 



Mowbray, 

[Trying to stop her opening it.] Don't read 



MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 175 

Isabel. 
I must. 

Mowbray. 
No. 

Isabel. 

Yes, I begin to see. [Opens the letter and 
reads aloud.^ " I stole the necklace when you 
were all out yesterday afternoon — If you don't 
believe this, I dare say you can find out at the 
station what train I came by — when I came to 
the house about three o'clock, the gardener saw 
me." [Her face expresses horror. Then she looks 
up and says firmly.'] They must all see this. 

Mowbray. 
No, destroy it. 

Isabel. 
Oh, how could he let you take it on yourself? 

Mowbray. 

I made him do it. I shall get off all right, 
but he wouldn't. He'd be ruined. [Trying to 
take the letter from her.] Destroy it. 

Isabel. 

Wait. There's more yet. [Turns over the page 
and reads.] " Frank loves you — " [Stops short, 
reading the rest to herself, her horror giving way 
to alarm.] Oh ! [Drops the letter.] 

[Mowbray picks it up and reads it. 



176 MRS. GORRINGE'S NECKLACE 

Mowbray. 

" Frank loves you. I hope you will marry him 
some day. When you get this letter you will 
be free, so it will be no use to try and stop me. 
I know now that you will only find happiness 
after my death.'' [Runs to the window. Jeeni- 
GAN meets Mowbray at the window and whispers 
to him.] Dead ! ! [ Jernigan disappears.^ Oh, 
poor David! 



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